On 19 April, ICMPD presented the new EU-funded project "Support to Migration and Border Management in Armenia" (MIBMA) in Yerevan at the official launch of the project.
Opening Conference
The project is fully funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The core objective of the conference was to give an overview of the project, elaborate key objectives and expected results, define priorities and actions, and highlight EU – Armenia relations in the areas of migration and border management.
During his welcoming speech Ambassador Piotr Antoni Świtalski, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Armenia stressed the importance of the migration issue on the international and EU agenda as well as the investment by the EU in migration systems in the Neighbourhood region, including Armenia.
The Head of the hosting Armenian Delegation, Mr. Aram Tananyan, Head of Staff of National Security Council of the RA highlighted the new comprehensive and integrated approach of the project that covers all aspects of migration.
Mr. Martijn Pluim, ICMPD’s Director for the Eastern Dimension, presented long-lasting relations and key achievements of ICMPD in Armenia while emphasising the project’s role toward enhancing EU – Armenia cooperation and dialogue.
The event gathered more than fifty participants, including representatives of the key beneficiary state institutions, the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia, international organisations, EU Member States, academia and non-governmental organisations active in the fields of migration and border management.
Steering Group Meeting
On 20 April, MIBMA project held its 1st Steering Group Meeting with participation of national authorities as well as representatives of EU Delegation to Armenia, UNDP, UNHCR, IOM, and Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration.
The project presented key achievements and findings of the inception phase, following several bilateral discussions with national and international stakeholders. During the meeting, the project roadmap for upcoming activities was agreed with all participants noting the importance of close cooperation and coordination throughout the project implementation phase.
Office Inauguration
Following the meeting, everyone was invited to the inauguration ceremony of the newly established office in Yerevan. Mr. Borut Ezen, ICMPD’s Senior Programme Manager, noted that the office will support MIBMA project activities and strengthen ICMPD’s presence in Armenia.