Chaired by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, a regular Cabinet meeting took place today.

The government adopted a decision to redistribute 1 billion 367 million 925 thousand AMD from the funds allocated from the state budget to the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports for the implementation of capital projects to ensure the completion of a number of educational and sports institutions. As noted by the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan, this refers to the works of 2 kindergartens, 6 modular schools, 1 high school building, construction of 15 school gymnasiums and reconstruction of 11 school gymnasiums.

Nikol Pashinyan inquired when the sports schools will be commissioned. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of setting the deadline. The Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports presented the deadlines for the construction of all facilities planned by the program.

The government made changes in one of the previously adopted decisions. "Last year, we adopted the decision, and then in the National Assembly we implemented changes in the law on the budget system, and in the previous order, when the community was given 30 percent of the value when selling state property, we also added state lands. Now, in order to ensure the implementation of that law, there is a need to make changes in the relevant Government decision", said Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures Gnel Sanosyan. The minister reminded that starting from January 1, 2024, the law and these regulations are effective. "If we expropriate state lands this year, 30 percent of their value will be sent to the local budget of the given community."

Referring to the adopted decision, Nikol Pashinyan noted that this is another step in the series of previous steps, which significantly increase the capabilities of local governments. "We have already made this decision regarding real estate, that is, buildings. In addition to this, in relation to the mining industry, we have regulations that 2 percent of royalties in affected communities are returned to the communities. Starting from January 1, 2024, we have increased the number of subsidies given to communities, and we have also been implementing subsidy programs for a long time, where, in fact, the ability of communities to make capital investments is doubled on average. Although we have many cases when we actually finance 60-70 percent of the projects. Overall, this is part of our policy community capacity building. With this, we also more effectively bring the funds of the state budget to the residents of the communities through the community channel," said the Head of the Executive.

By the government's decision, 279 million 954 thousand 300 AMD have been allocated to the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport for hosting the semi-final and final tournament matches of the UEFA Futsal Champions League at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert complex in Yerevan. The application of the Football Federation of Armenia was recognized as the winner among the football federations of Greece, Lithuania, Poland, Spain and Switzerland. "Thus, for the first time, the European Cup final of any game sport will be held in the Republic of Armenia. Spanish "Barcelona" and "Palma Futsal", as well as Portuguese "Sporting" and "Benfica" will participate in the Futsal Champions League final. The semi-finals will be held on May 3, the final and the 3rd place match on May 5. It is planned that these events will also be an occasion for a significant flow of tourists, taking into account the prestige of the tournament and the army of fans of the competing teams," said the Minister.

The draw will take place on March 14. Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister Arayik Harutyunyan added that after the draw, the tickets will be sold on electronic platforms, which will be quite affordable, within the range of 1000-5000 AMD. "A large number of fans are expected. These teams are quite famous, both teams have World and European Champions playing. And for the Armenian audience, this tournament is important because the goalkeeper of our national team, who was considered the best football player of the previous final, plays for "Majorca". At the moment, 50 countries have already bought broadcasting rights from Armenia, but that number may exceed 7 dozen," Arayik Harutyunyan said.