Armenia’s Strides in Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policies Halted Amidst Geopolitical Uncertainties

Despite significant progress made since the Velvet Revolution in 2018, Armenia’s efforts to combat corruption have slowed down due to a confluence of factors, including the country’s precarious national security situation, growing political polarization, and resistance from pre-revolutionary elites. However, experts argue that Armenia remains on a positive trajectory, with tangible reforms implemented across various sectors.

Reforms and Progress

Armenia has introduced a range of legal reforms aimed at:

• Strengthening its asset recovery regime
• Protecting whistleblowers
• Establishing legally binding integrity principles for civil servants

The country has also reorganized its institutional framework to combat corruption, creating:

• An anti-corruption commission
• A specialized anti-corruption court
• A department for asset recovery within the prosecutor general’s office

Challenges and Gaps

While initial data suggests a decline in perceived corruption, critics contend that several gaps remain in Armenia’s anti-corruption framework. Specifically:

• Further reforms are needed in asset recovery mechanisms
• Measures are required to strengthen integrity within the judiciary

The Way Forward

As Armenia continues to navigate these challenges, it is essential for policymakers to prioritize sustained efforts to combat corruption, ensuring that the country remains committed to its anti-bribery and corruption policies.