YEREVAN, Armenia — On July 7, the Ministry of Environment of Armenia, with support from the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and the American University of Armenia (AUA) Acopian Center for the Environment, launched a new initiative to draft Armenia’s first-ever Law on Chemical Substances. This important step is supported by funding from Sweden through the Green Agenda Armenia project.
The drafting of the new law, with crucial technical input from the Swedish Chemicals Agency (KEMI), aims to align Armenia’s chemical management framework with European Union (EU) standards. This alignment will enhance public health and environmental protection while fulfilling Armenia’s obligations under the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and other international conventions.
The Ministry of Environment requested technical assistance from the Green Agenda Armenia project to develop this foundational legislation. The initiative forms a key part of the project’s broader objectives to promote green policy reforms, build governmental capacity, and stimulate sustainable investment and innovation in Armenia’s green economy.
Cristina Coloman, Green Agenda project lead at SEI, noted in her opening remarks: “We are honored to support Armenia in this ambitious endeavor. Our international and national experts will work hand-in-hand with Armenian institutions to draft effective, context-specific legislation that meets European best practices while supporting local needs and realities.”
Liana Papakhchyan, head of the Hazardous Substances and Waste Policy Department at the Ministry of Environment, highlighted the importance of the issue: “Today, chemical substances are widely used across various sectors of our economy, from agriculture to industry,” she said. “However, their improper or unregulated use can have serious consequences for both human health and the environment. It is essential to establish a clear, comprehensive, and legally grounded system for the management of these substances.” She added that the initiative reflects political will, responsibility, and a vision for the future. “It stands as yet another testament to Armenia’s commitment to becoming a safer, more stable country that adheres to international standards,” Papakhchyan concluded.
Linn Persson, head of the International Unit at the Swedish Chemicals Agency, emphasized the project’s alignment with European norms: “The Swedish Chemicals Agency has extensive experience working with countries to assist in EU-approximation of legislation in the field of chemicals. We are looking forward to working together with the team to support the strengthening of preventive chemicals control in Armenia in line with EU requirements.”
Alen Gasparian Amirkhanian, Green Agenda Armenia lead and director of the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, highlighted the collaborative approach, remarking: “This project represents not just a legal milestone, but a commitment to an inclusive, consultative approach that brings together industry, civil society, and government. The drafting process of the Law on Chemical Substances will include broad stakeholder consultations, capacity-building workshops, and technical reviews to ensure both international alignment and local relevance.”
The AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, a research center of the American University of Armenia (AUA), promotes the protection and restoration of the natural environment through research, education, and community outreach. The AUA Acopian Center’s focus areas include sustainable natural resource management, biodiversity protection and conservation, greening the built environment, sustainable energy, as well as information technology and the environment. Visit ace.aua.am
The Green Agenda Armenia, implemented by SEI and the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, brings together government actors and expert partners from Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine to accelerate green transitions. By supporting policy reform, innovation uptake, capacity building, and investment, the project advances greener economies and resilient societies. Green Agenda Armenia is part of the larger regional project Green Agenda for Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine, run by SEI. Visit ace.aua.am/projects/green-
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