On 15 April, a public discussion involving civil society organizations was held at the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Armenia. The discussion focused on the Draft Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for 2027–2029 and the corresponding budget applications, as part of the process of formulating the 2027 state budget.

Mr. Yura Martirosyan, a young professional representing the “Association of Young Journalists”, and young budget specialist Ms Nane Mkhitaryan from the “NGO Center” Civil Society Development NGO attended the discussion as well. Both organizations are implementing sub-grant projects under the “Budgets for Citizens” program.

During the discussion, key agenda items and strategic areas of activity for the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Armenia for the coming years were presented and reviewed: including public debt management, the development and monitoring of public finance management policy, the training of financial sector specialists, and the regulation and coordination of the public procurement process.

The discussion also addressed the issues regarding the structure and sustainability of public debt, the assessment of debt burdens and risks, and the improvement of mechanisms for planning and monitoring budget programs, as well as to the transparency of public procurement, the targeted allocation of social expenditures, and the enhancement of their efficiency.

During the Q&A sessions, participants had the opportunity to voice their comments and suggestions and to receive clarifications from the representatives of the responsible body. The importance of enhancing financial literacy among the journalists having the aim of disseminating higher-quality and more accessible information on public finances was also emphasized during the discussion.

Notably, the “NGO Center” Civil Society Development NGO insured the participation of approximately six additional civil society organizations, thereby fostering the inclusivity of the process and broadening public participation.

Such public discussions serve as an important platform for strengthening dialogue between the state and civil society, ensuring transparency in public finance management processes, and fostering a culture of participatory governance among the citizen.