The European Union (EU) is implementing projects in Azerbaijan in healthcare, ecology, urban infrastructure, and transport, including in the city of Ganja.
Oxu.Az reports citing "Report" that Viktor Bojkov, head of the cooperation department of the EU delegation in Azerbaijan, stated this at a press briefing.
According to him, the projects implemented in Ganja are part of common goals and ambitions set by the EU and Azerbaijan within the framework of bilateral cooperation.
"All initiatives are divided into two main categories: grant and investment projects. Grant funds are provided by the EU through international organizations for the implementation of programs in the interests of Azerbaijan and are non-repayable. Investment projects, in turn, involve providing financing in the form of loans to state bodies or municipalities," he said.
Additionally, Bojkov noted that the EU uses mechanisms that allow partially compensating loans with a grant component, easing the financial burden on recipients.
Bojkov emphasized that among grant initiatives, projects on regional development and environmental protection in Karabakh with the participation of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN, as well as a program by the World Health Organization (WHO) aimed at strengthening the healthcare system and developing primary health care, are being implemented.
He also recalled the Covenant of Mayors initiative, in which Ganja participates.
"Under the program, cities from Azerbaijan and EU countries exchange experience in planning, green technologies, and improving the quality of the urban environment," he said.
Among investment projects, he specifically noted the restoration of the railway infrastructure of Nakhchivan, which is of strategic importance.
"Additionally, the EU is considering projects in Ganja on water resources management and modernization of street lighting, aimed at increasing energy efficiency and developing urban infrastructure," he added.
