This report provides analysis on how Armenia performs based on the standards set by the Principles. It covers the six thematic areas of the Principles (strategy, policy development and co-ordination, public service and human resource management, organisation, accountability and oversight, service delivery and digitalisation, and public financial management) and provides indicator values and comparison of overall trends across the public administration.
Public Administration in Armenia 2025
Assessment against the Principles of Public Administration
Abstract
How is public administration performing in Armenia in 2025?
Overall, Armenia has made progress in improving the functioning of its public administration. There have been substantial advancements in public financial management and the digitalisation of public servicesalthough aspects requiring significant further development remain across all areas of public administration reform (PAR).
State of play in public administration by type of criterion
The legal and institutional frameworks for a well-functioning public administration are largely in place, but comprehensive reform strategies only exist in some areas. Significant challenges remain in translating these frameworks into practice, particularly in evidence-based policy development, merit-based public service, administrative organisation, transparency and accountability, public procurement, and multi-level governance.
Public administration reform needs stronger steering and public participation
Armenia launched the first public administration reform strategy in 2022, but key mechanisms to steer implementation, track progress and ensure accountability are still missing. Citizens are aware of PAR initiatives, but their involvement has been limited, highlighting the need for greater inclusion in the development of the next PAR strategy and its monitoring.
Advances have been made to improve policymaking, but quality and impact have been limited
Armenia has initiated steps to improve policy planning, evidence-based policymaking, public participation, and European integration co-ordination. However, the quality, relevance and impact of policies and regulations have not improved yet. Government and Parliament decision-making remain highly transparent.
Progress toward a modern and effective public service and HRM system has been limited
Some foundations and potential for a sound public service and HRM are in place, but progress is hindered by a fragmented legal framework, weak merit safeguards and limited capacities. There is no structured approach to attract, develop and retain talent, and the top management function is too narrowly defined.
Armenia has strengthened public integrity and administrative justice through anti-corruption reforms, procedural rights, and independent oversight
However, fragmented structures, weak transparency, poor implementation capacity, and limited monitoring undermine accountability, cohesion, and efficiency.
Armenia has made significant progress in advancing its public service digitalisation agenda
There are notable developments in digital service delivery, but in all thematic areas the results are still lower than the EU average, with wider gaps in services related to studying in university or support to families.
Armenia has undertaken several significant reforms to enhance public financial management
There has been progress in budget management and fiscal discipline, but challenges persist in revenue collection, risk management, internal control and audit systems.
The public procurement law is broadly aligned with 2014 EU Directives
There is broad alignment of public procurement legislation with EU principles, but legal completeness, strategic orientation and monitoring of procurement need improvement. The review system has been strengthened.
The legal basis for multi-level governance is relatively strong
There is a sound legal basis for multi-level government, but reduced competences and fiscal autonomy, fragmented oversight and underused inter-municipal co-operation undermine multi-level governance.
