YEREVAN — On September 30, 2026, the official launch event of the European Union-funded Twinning project, “Support to implementation of the Universal Health Insurance Reform in Armenia,” took place at the National Gallery of Armenia in Yerevan.
This two-year strategic initiative brings together the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Slovenia, and the Republic of Armenia in an international institutional partnership. The project will draw on the expertise and best practices of Croatia and Slovenia to support Armenia in establishing an efficient, sustainable, and accessible Universal Health Insurance system.
The primary goal of the Twinning initiative is to strengthen the institutional capacity of Armenia’s Universal Health Insurance Fund (UHIF), improve healthcare financing mechanisms, and contribute to long-term systemic stability. Over the course of two years, the initiative will focus on key areas of reform, ranging from the legislative framework and governance to financing, human resource development, digital systems, and communication with citizens.
The project is implemented by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia as the Lead Member State institution and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Slovenia as the Junior Member State partner, while the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFCA) is responsible for the administrative and financial management of the project.
The official opening ceremony of the kick-off event was attended by senior government officials. The Ministers of Health of Croatia and Armenia also delivered opening remarks.
Anahit Avanesyan, Minister of Health of the Republic of Armenia, highlighted the critical stage of Armenia’s universal health insurance reform. She emphasized the pivotal role of European experience and professional expertise in delivering a high-quality, accessible healthcare system for Armenian citizens.
Irena Hrstić, Minister of Health of the Republic of Croatia, delivered a welcome address highlighting Croatia’s commitment to sharing its healthcare reform experience and best practices, underscoring the role of partnership programs in addressing shared healthcare challenges.
H.E. Vassilis Maragos, Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia,and H.E. Mateja Prevolšek, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the Republic of Armenia, also offered welcome remarks celebrating the collaborative effort and long-term ties fostered by EU Twinning initiatives.
To conclude, Project Leader Domagoj Dodig provided a brief overview of the project, its key components, and introduced the project team.
The official opening ceremony was attended by numerous senior officials, public policy advisers, and representatives of key stakeholders in the healthcare sector, including H.E. Aleksandar Sunko, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the Republic of Armenia, and Dragan Jelić, Director of the CFCA, along with other distinguished guests.
