The National Assembly has adopted in its second reading a legislative package on community consolidation, under which new enlarged municipalities will be created in the Lori, Syunik and Vayots Dzor regions. Parliament approved amendments to the Law on Administrative-Territorial Division and related additions to the Law on Local Self-Government.

In Lori Province, a new enlarged Stepanavan community will be established by merging the existing communities of Stepanavan, Gyulagarak and Lori Berd. The new municipality will include 20 settlements, according to the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure.

In Syunik Province, the enlarged Goris community will be formed by combining the existing enlarged communities of Goris, Tatev and Tegh. The new administrative unit will comprise 28 settlements.

In Vayots Dzor Province, an enlarged Yeghegnadzor community will be created through the merger of Yeghegnadzor, Areni and Yeghegis. The new municipality will include 32 settlements.

As a result of the changes, the number of municipalities operating in Armenia will decrease from 70 to 64.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Davit Khudatyan stated that the community consolidation process has proven its effectiveness in practice and that the policy will continue.