Information and Communication Strategy on Armenia’s European Integration
AEPLAC is cooperating with the working group under the auspices of the National Security Council, which coordinates the European integration (EI) process of Armenia in general and has a task to develop Armenia’s EI Information and Communication Strategy in particular. A first meeting of the group took place on June 15th, where among others a work schedule was laid down. Contribution of AEPLAC to the schedule of working group will encompass mainly a representative Public Awareness Survey on EU and EI and preparation of an outline of the Armenian EI Information and Communication Strategy as well as promotion of EU visibility through variety of informational, educational and motivational events.
AEPLAC will assist the administration of Armenia by carrying out representative public awareness survey among residents of Yerevan in October 2009. This opinion poll will indicate the level of knowledge about European integration, reveal the expectations and fears of citizens in this regard and specify information needs of various society groups.
The EI information and communication strategy will have as main objectives:
• Improvement of public knowledge and understanding of the EU.
• Explanation of implications of European integration for Armenia.
• Explanation of Armenia’s activities for European integration.
The strategy will distinguish between two categories of target groups: opinion leaders and groups with special information needs. The first target group encompasses policy structures, media, educational sector, civil society including NGO, academic and business community. The second category normally comprises rural and elderly population, with specific exposure and different access to information.
AEPLAC Phase V operates in an environment of Armenia-EU relations guided by the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) since 1999. The PCA contractual framework has been developing in the recent years under the influence of the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) and Eastern Partnership initiative (EaP).
To implement the ENP Action Plan, Armenia has endorsed a List of Measures for the period of 2009-2011. The country wishes to make full use of opportunities available under the EaP, by moving to negotiations on a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and Visa Facilitation Agreement, which would pave the way to a new enhanced agreement with the EU.
The focus of AEPLAC Phase V is laid on support to capacity building of Armenian institutions directly involved in the implementation of the EU-Armenia ENP Action Plan. AEPLAC V also promotes visibility of EU and Armenia's European integration in the country and closely cooperates with the EU Advisory Group to Armenia.
This project is funded by the EU