The legislative amendments submitted by the government of the Republic of Armenia are aimed at introducing the institute of judges specialized in pre-trial criminal proceedings. The analysis conducted by the “Luys” foundation addresses most problematic aspects of the legislative package, in particular, the validity, effectiveness and risks of a narrow specialization of judges, possible political motives, which raise concerns from the point of constitutionality as well as efficiency and expediency. Full material is only available in Armenian.

In the present analysis, given the data published by the Statistical Committee of the RA, we study the recent social-economic developments in the economy of the RA. In particular, we consider the cumulative indicator of economic activity of the given month, its sectoral distribution, as well as the dynamics of individual sectors of the economy. We also analyze economic developments in the foreign trade, labour market and fiscal system of the RA. In addition, some aspects of the financial system (inflation, deposits and loans), as well as the behaviour of the exchange rate, are touched upon. Full material is only available in Armenian.

The ruling political force of Armenia has repeatedly announced about the need of a fair and transparent public procurement system. The introduction of such a system as well as of an effective system of procurement of goods and services in the right time and in proper volume, excluding the practices of conflict of interests, is also defined by the Government Program 2019, considering it as one of the main activities directed to increase the efficiency of public administration. To what extent public procurements meet these promises? Does the Government of the Republic of Armenia follow the tendering procedure or rely on the “single person” procurement procedure? This study aims to clarify these and a number of similar issues by comparative analysis of indicators for 2017-2020. The full material is available only in Armenian.

Development of the agriculture sector, an increase in the usage of unused agricultural land purposefully, increase of the effectiveness of agriculture and the introduction of modern technologies were announced as the main axes of the agrarian policy of the current government of the Republic of Armenia. How is the agricultural policy being implemented today, what support mechanisms are used in agriculture, what is the interest in them, are the agricultural extension services and how they operate. This study aims to clarify these and a number of similar issues. The document provides also detailed statistical analysis of 2016-2020 years, providing comparative analysis of relevant indicators. While comparing data of different periods of time, it should be noted that this study was ready for publication at the end of September, but was not published due to the military situation. The full material is only available in Armenian.

The budget of Yerevan sets the priorities of the economy of the city for the upcoming year. In the budget the planned level of revenues, as well as its structure is presented. In addition, the planned level of expenditures and its distribution by functional and economic classifications are determined. The forecasting of revenues and expenditures is followed by the planning of the budget deficit and the sources of financing it. Given the importance of this document and the programs embedded there, the present analysis aims to assess whether the budget of Yerevan and its structure are consistent with the problems confronting the city. Full material is only available in Armenian.

In the present analysis, given the data published by the Statistical Committee of the RA, we study the recent social-economic developments in the economy of the RA. In particular, we consider the cumulative indicator of economic activity of the given month, its sectoral distribution, as well as the dynamics of individual sectors of the economy. We also analyze economic developments in the foreign trade, labour market and fiscal system of the RA. In addition, some aspects of the financial system (inflation, deposits and loans), as well as the behaviour of the exchange rate, are touched upon. Full material is only available in Armenian.

The study of indicators and indices published by international organizations allows to address two important problems. First, to assess the performance of the RA in the given period with the help of comprehensive numerical measures, as well as to make intertemporal comparisons in order to understand whether the country moves in the desirable direction. Second, to compare the performance of the RA with other countries to ascertain Armenia’s relative position in the region and Eurasian Economic Union. These results are important, since they help to derive the comprehensive assessment of the economic situation, which is needed both for the public and the private sector. The present analysis is aimed at addressing the foregoing problems. Full material is only available in Armenian.

2020 began with a coronavirus crisis, and ends with the Artsakh war, and political instability. As a result, a very difficult economic situation has been created, which will inevitably have a negative impact on the stability of public finances, leading to a sharp increase in public debt.

At the same time, given the existence of the several crises (security, economic, political, social), the emergence of government debt crisis will have catastrophic consequences for the Armenian economy.

This analysis aims to study the effects of 2020 shocks on the Government debt of the Republic of Armenia. In this paper the dynamics of government debt in recent years and the reasons for sharp increase in government debt in 2020 were studied, as well as the expected trends in government debt in the coming years were discussed.

The analysis discusses the foreign policy vision of President-elect Joe Biden's administration. The study of Biden's position on issues such as US relations with Iran, Russia, Turkey, as well as the policy towards the South Caucasus, it becomes clear that Biden's foreign policy will be more active and aggressive. The issue of human rights protection in other countries can be used as a means of building relations with other countries and putting pressure on them. One of the main goals of the foreign policy will be to restore the US role as a world leader. As for the bilateral relations, Russia will continue to be seen as the main opponent, and Iran as one of the main rivals. The US policy towards Turkey will not change dramatically, but tougher rhetoric, up to the imposition of light sanctions will be possible. The main political priorities for the South Caucasus will be maintained. Full material is only available in Armenian.