This reference summarizes the conclusion of the Audit Chamber on the implementation of the RA 2020 state budget. In particular, the reference includes the most notable violations of the RA state budget execution registered by the Audit Chamber in 2020 and the corresponding recommendations for their elimination. The topics are on the state procurement process, the program classification of state budget expenditures, the performance of non-financial indicators of the state budget, the internal audit process conducted in state bodies, and other issues registered in terms of state budget execution. 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.

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.

During the reporting period, the Luys Foundation team carried out large-scale analytical-research work, covering a wide variety of topics.
Our focus is on the current developments in law, economy, politics, international relations. During the year, our team published about 70 researches, in which not only the existing problems and challenges were analyzed, but also appropriate solutions were sought and suggested.

The recent war in Artsakh, among other things, has also affected the communication problems in the region. While various experts are trying to assess the possible economic and political consequences of unblocking transport links in the region, the prospect of restoring transport links from Azerbaijan to Nakhichevan is especially important for Armenia from a security point of view. Within the framework of this analysis, we tried to understand what the consequences of the November 10 statement will be for transport communications in the South Caucasus, what risks the construction of Azerbaijan-Armenia-Nakhichevan transport corridors may pose․ We also considered the formation of new corridors in the context of the conflict of interests of regional and global actors.

As a result of the analysis, we have come to the conclusion that from the security point of view, the 9th point of the November 10 statement poses more new threats for Armenia than it creates opportunities. In the text of the statement, only the Armenian side is clearly committed to providing security guarantees for Azerbaijan-Nakhichevan transport links, while there are no security guarantees for other communications, which may create grounds for a new conflict, endangering the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia. Full material is only available in Armenian.

The objective of the present analysis is to assess the execution of the state budget of the RA in the given period. First, we describe the general state of the economy of the RA, namely the driving forces of economic activity, the developments in individual sectors of the economy, the behavior of the components of the demand – consumption and investment – and so on. Afterwards, we analyze the performance of government revenues and expenditures by comparing the actual and planned values of the respective indicators. We conclude the analysis by summarizing the main observations and results. Full material is only available in Armenian.

A draft law is being discussed in the National Assembly, according to which the Central Bank should create and maintain a centralized register of bank accounts, in which all commercial banks operating in the territory of the Republic of Armenia must necessarily participate.

The information included in the centralized register of bank accounts relates to the right of banking secrecy, derived from the fundamental right to private life guaranteed by article 31 of the Constitution. In this context, the draft law is problematic from the point of view of compliance with the requirements of the Constitution in the case of restrictions on basic human rights.

The draft law does not regulate the procedure of maintenance of the centralized register of bank accounts, the procedure and grounds for providing information from it and the range of bodies to which this information may be available. Taking into account that the draft law concerns the right of banking secrecy, all these issues should be addressed on the level of law.

The study of international experience shows that, in contrast to the draft law, international documents offer regulations that allow to ensure balance of interests and guarantee confidence in the banking system, and do not disproportionately restrict the right to privacy. 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.

On 4 March 2020, the ruling “My Step” faction of the National Assembly came up with legislative initiative on amendments to the electoral legislation of the Republic of Armenia. The President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia requested the Venice Commission to provide a legal opinion on the draft amendments.
The analysis by the “Luys” Foundation addresses most problematic aspects of the legislative package, in particular, the proportional electoral system and stable majority clause. The analysis also refers to the other amendments envisaged by draft amendments to the electoral code.

The use of the term "Genocide" in the US President Biden's Statement is a milestone in the process of recognizing the Armenian Genocide, despite the fact that some see it as a punitive step against Turkey pursuing its own policy in various areas without the consent of Washington. For Armenia and Armenians all over the world, there is also a third aspect of the problem, no less important than the two mentioned. In his Statement, Biden noted his determination to prevent such new disasters. The former US President did not show such determination during the large-scale Azerbaijani-Turkish aggression in 2020. Six months after the ceasefire was established, the threat of genocide against the Armenians of Artsakh has not disappeared, as evidenced by the rhetoric and actions of Turkey and Azerbaijan. The events in East Timor, South Sudan and Kosovo show that such a threat is significantly reduced only by the exercise of the right of people of conflict area to self-determination and the international recognition of a state based on it. The research shows that there are real preconditions for the recognition of the independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. All that is needed is the determination and adherence of the international community to the well-known principles and values. The position of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs on this issue will show whether the statements of three of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, never to allow genocide or other crimes against humanity, have a real basis or they are just appropriate formulations at the moment, which will once again be sacrificed to the immoral selfish interests emerged during fierce geopolitical competition. Full material is only available in Armenian.