Out of 28 Communities Having Joined "Covenant of Mayors" 12 Communities Have Active Status, Whereas 16 Communities Have Suspended Status

28 communities from Armenia have joined the major energy initiative of the European Union "Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy", but the membership of 16 of them is currently suspended.

Within two years of joining the Covenant, communities had to develop an action plan for sustainable energy development. The membership of the communities that did not develop that plan was suspended.

“Suspended status doesn't mean it's over. At any time, the communities can activate their participation by presenting the sustainable energy development action plan of the community, and our goal is to support them", Artem Kharazyan, the expert of "Mayors' Covenant East" program, said at the media meeting organized by the Union of Armenian Communities.

In Armenia, the municipalities with the status of EU "Covenant of Mayors" are Tsaghkadzor, Artik, Etchmiadzin, Hrazdan, Aparan, Gyumri, Vanadzor, Yerevan, Spitak, Vaiq, Stepanavan and Tashir.

The membership of the following communities was suspended: Sevan, Martuni, Vardenis, Jermuk, Goris, Kapan, Sisian, Abovyan, Ijevan, Alaverdi, Kasakh, Akhtala, Masis, Ashtarak, Gavar, and Paraqar.

Communities joining the EU Covenant of Mayors initiative must assess the level of energy access and energy poverty, commit to increasing energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources.

Parties to the treaty previously had a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, but this figure was later increased to 30%. Cities have now set themselves more ambitious goals and committed to reducing emissions by 35% by 2030.

 No direct financial support is provided to communities that have undertaken commitments within the framework of the "Covenant of Mayors". Expert support is provided to strengthen capacity and develop strategies to implement programs aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"We understand very well that the communities want us to give them fish, or give them money so that they can buy that fish. But the purpose of our program is to teach them how to fish. Because if we don't teach them that, they will always wait for financial support," said Christoph Frering, Head of “Covenant of Mayors East” regional program.