In the context of the EU Azerbaijan Action Plan, the European Commission announced new funding allocations for Azerbaijan to help reform the institutions responsible for bilateral relations with the EU. The new support will focus on the implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan priorities and institutional reforms.

In order to contribute to the implementation of the actions agreed in the context of the EU Azerbaijan Action Plan, including in streamlining the visa application process, the European Commission announced new funding for Azerbaijan. The aim of the EU funding in this country will be to help reform the institutions responsible for bilateral relations with the EU; in particular those in the areas of justice and migration. However, the Euronest meeting celebrated in April also showed the existing difficulties of Armenia and Azerbaijan to sit at the same table regarding the Nagorno Karabakh issue.

The Commission also announced that support to regional development will also continue in order to help reducing regional, social and economic differences and to promote growth through job creation. Support will be in the form of policy advice, assistance, studies or training, which will be provided in areas related to socio-economic development of the regions.

The assistance comes through the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI). The new support will focus on the implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan priorities and institutional reforms. A number of instruments will be mobilised to implement these goals, especially twinning operations between EU and Azerbaijani institutions, technical assistance and cooperation with international organisations under the Comprehensive Institutional Building Programme.