Division of powers : multi-level governance structures in Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Date: 2025-10-17
Institutions: Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs, Fanyan, H, Sieniawski, P
Subjects: Armenia, Azerbaijan, decentralisation, decision-making, enlargement of the Union, multi-level governance, regional and local authorities, regional policy, separation of powers

MULTI-LEVEL GOVERNANCE 
 STRUCTURES IN  
ARMENIA AND  
AZERBAIJAN

This report was written by H. Fanyan, P. Sieniawski, M. Gliniecka, 
all from CASE – Center for Social and Economic Research.

It does not represent the official views of the European Committee of the Regions.

© European Union, 2025
Partial reproduction is permitted, provided that the source is explicitly mentioned.
More information on the European Union and the Committee of the Regions is available online at
http://www.europa.eu and http://www.cor.europa.eu respectively.
PDF   QG-01-25-084-EN-N     ISBN 978-92-895-3925-8     DOI: 10.2863/6667797

Table of Contents ⎢

 Table of Contents

   Armenia (AM) 

   Azerbaijan (AZ) 

Bibliography 

4

17

29

This document provides an overview of the institutional 
decentralisation levels in Armenia and in Azerbaijan. 
Each chapter outlines the legal basis of the various gov-
ernance structures in the respective country. The distri-
bution of competencies at each level of governance is 
presented in the following policy areas of mandatory 
consultation of the European Committee of the Regions 
(CoR): transport; employment; social issues; education; 
vocational training; youth and sports; culture; public 
health; Trans-European networks; economic, social and 
territorial cohesion; environment and the fight against 
climate change; and energy, as well as those in the fields 
of particular interest for Local and Regional Authorities 

(LRAs): agriculture; fisheries; immigration and asylum; 
tourism; and civil protection. Institutional decentralisa-
tion is crucial for the health of democratic societies, as 
it cultivates effective local leadership and enables the 
resolution of local issues by empowering decision-makers 
at the level closest to the citizen. 

This document is interactive. Each competence has a cor-
responding hyperlink to the underlying legal document. 
Each policy description includes a button which opens 
the corresponding policy page for the other country 
presented in the document. The information contained in 
this document reflects the situation as of September 2025. 

This study is part of a series of studies presenting the insti-
tutional decentralisation levels in a number of countries, 
including the study on the Division of powers - Multi-level 
governance structures in the EU enlargement countries 
which is published under ISBN 978-92-895-3682-0. All 
the relevant information can be found on the website 
of the European Committee of the Regions.

 
 Armenia

1.   Introduction

The Republic of Armenia is a sovereign, democratic 
and social state governed by the rule of law, as set out 
in the constitution, and has a parliamentary system of 
government. State authority is exercised in accordance 
with the constitution and laws and is based on the prin-
ciple of separation and balance of powers between the 
legislative, executive and judicial branches.

The unicameral National Assembly is Armenia’s supreme 
legislative body. It comprises at least 101 members 
elected for five-year terms, and includes representa-
tion for national minorities. In addition to its legislative 
functions, the National Assembly exercises oversight of 
the executive branch.

The highest executive authority is the government, 
composed of the prime minister, deputy prime minis-
ters, and ministers. Under the constitution, the judicial 
power is exercised by independent courts, including the 
Constitutional Court.

1.1.  General  division of powers

Armenia’s administrative-territorial structure has two 
main levels: regions (marz) and communities (hamaynk). 
Local self-government is guaranteed at the community 

level, while at the regional level the regional governor’s 
office (marzpeti ashkhatakazm) performs a coordinating 
role between the government (karavarutyun) and the 
communities, ensuring consistency and cooperation. 
Regional governors are appointed by the government 
and are responsible for regional administration, which 
includes supervising community budget implementa-
tion, submitting development proposals to the govern-
ment, and overseeing the implementation of government 
programmes and strategies in the regions. The activities 
of the regional governors’ offices are financed by the 
central budget.

Local self-government in Armenia is guaranteed by the 
constitution. Additionally, Armenia is a signatory to 
the European Charter of Local Self-Government, which 
entered into force in 2002. Communities have their own 
powers to carry out both mandatory and voluntary 
functions, as well as functions delegated by the central 
government. Delegated functions are funded from the 
state budget, and the government, where possible, 
allocates funds to support the proportional (balanced) 
development of communities. Under the Law on the 
Budget System, community (local) budgets and the 
central government (state) budget together form Arme-
nia’s consolidated budget. Communities also carry out 
certain public functions, such as pre-school and primary 
education. The associated costs are covered by transfers 

⎢4

 
 
from the central budget. Transfers from the state budget 
account for the majority of community budget revenue.

Following the 2021 reform, which consolidated hundreds 
of small communities into several dozen larger ones, 
Armenia now has 70 communities across 10 regions, in 
addition to the capital Yerevan. As provided for in the 
Law on Local Self-Government, the local self-govern-
ment bodies comprise the community head (hamaynqi 
ghekavar) and the municipal council, referred to as the 
Council of Elders (avagani).

Local elections are held every five years in Armenia, using 
either a majoritarian or proportional electoral system. 
In communities with fewer than 4,000 registered voters, 
both the community head and council members are 
elected under a majoritarian system. More populous 
communities hold elections under a proportional system. 
The size of the council depends on the number of voters 
and ranges from 5 to 65 members. In larger communities, 
the community head is elected by the council members.

The Armenian Tax Code and the Law of Local Duties and 
Fees set out the framework for local taxation. Commu-
nities collect land and property taxes, the rates of which 
are set by the Tax Code. Communities may also impose 
local duties and fees, with the exact rates determined 
by the community council within the limits set by law. 
Examples include local duties on construction permits 
and fees for waste collection, pre-school services, and 
similar municipal services.

Territorial administration in Armenia is the responsi-
bility of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and 
Infrastructure.

1.2.  Central level

1.3.  Regional level

 Armenia ⎢

At the central level, the government operates under the 
supervision of the National Assembly, as set out in the 
constitution.

Under Armenia’s Law on the Structure and Activities of 
the Government, the government comprises the prime 
minister, two deputy prime ministers, and twelve min-
isters. The powers of the government are set out in the 
constitution and by law, and include:

law and order

•  state budget, government debt and taxation policy
•  state property management
• 
•  regional administration
•  defence policy
foreign policy
• 
•  transport policy
•  water and forestry resources
•  environmental protection
•  energy policy
•  health policy
•  educational, scientific, cultural and youth policy
•  employment policy
•  demographic policy
• 
•  economic development
•  agricultural policy

labour policy

All matters related to executive authority that are not 
assigned to other state or local self-government bodies 
fall within the jurisdiction of the government.

The territory of the Republic of Armenia consists of ten 
regions (marzes) and the city of Yerevan. Public adminis-
tration in the regions is governed by the Law on Territorial 
Administration and other legal acts.

Marz governors are appointed by the central government 
and are responsible for implementing the government’s 
regional policy. They coordinate the activities of local 
branches of the executive authority, unless otherwise 
specified by law. Within the scope of the authority vested 
in them by the Law on Territorial Administration, marz 
governors carry out the government’s regional policy in 
their respective marzes in the following areas: 

•  finance
•  urban development, housing and utilities
•  transport and road construction
•  agriculture and land use
•  education
•  healthcare
•  social security 
•  culture, sports and youth
•  nature and environmental protection
•  defence
•  civil defence and protection in emergency situations
•  economic development

Each marz has an advisory body, the Regional Council, 
chaired by the governor (marzpet) and also comprising 
the deputy governors and the heads of the region’s com-
munities. The council facilitates direct communication 
between the national and local authorities, although its 
powers are consultative rather than legislative.

⎢5

1.4.  Local level

Under the Law on Self-governance, the powers of local 
self-government bodies are split into their own powers 
and powers delegated by the state. Own powers cover 
both mandatory and voluntary matters, depending on 
the nature of the issues they address. The implementation 
of mandatory issues takes priority, as they are essential 
for the proper functioning of public life. Voluntary issues, 
in turn, are non-essential and may only be addressed if 
additional financial resources are available. Mandatory 
functions are as follows: 

•  sustainable community development
•  promotion of the business environment and entre-

preneurship, and property management

•  organisation  of  pre-school  and  out-of-school 

education

•  organisation of community life in terms of culture, 

youth, sports, and a healthy lifestyle

•  provision of social security and promotion of par-
ticipation by people with disabilities in public life

•  development of residential construction
• 

landscaping, waste management and sanitation, 
maintenance of community cemeteries, environ-
mental protection

although  significant  challenges  remain,  particularly 
regarding local governance. According to Freedom House, 
Armenia’s 2024 Local Democratic Governance score stands 
at 2.25 out of 7. Decentralisation and local government 
capacity have been some of the issues repeatedly high-
lighted by the organisation over the years. The Congress 
of Local and Regional Authorities has also underscored 
these challenges. The limited financial autonomy of local 
authorities, coupled with the lack of their own financial 
resources, is one of the main challenges flagged. For 
example, while local self-government bodies are legally 
entitled to undertake voluntary tasks outside the scope 
of other public authorities, provided these do not com-
promise the implementation of mandatory or delegated 
functions, in practice most communities lack the resources 
and capacity to do so. As a result, this provision largely 
remains on paper. Other pressing concerns include the 
overlapping supervisory functions of various state bodies 
over municipalities and the limited role of municipalities 
in delivering public services.

The authority of the community is vested in the head 
of the community and the council of elders. The main 
functions of the council of elders (municipal council) are: 

•  election and dismissal of the community head and 

•  provision of public transport and road infrastructure 

council members

in the community

•  support for national defence
•  civil defence in emergency situations
•  agricultural development
•  promotion of tourism
•  support for demographic development
•  provision of effective and accessible primary med-

ical services

In recent years, Armenia has introduced a number of initia-
tives aimed at improving governance and administration, 

•  approval of community development strategies, 

budgets, and activity reports

•  confirmation of executive appointments and admin-

istrative proposals

•  definition of voluntary functions and oversight of 
the elected head’s performance and remuneration
formation and regulation of community institutions 
and enterprises

• 

•  election-related decisions on local taxes, duties, 

and service fees

 Armenia ⎢

•  approval of property use, disposal, and terms of 

public-private partnership

•  voting on naming or renaming public spaces after 

consultations

•  ratification of inter-community agreements, both 

domestic and international

•  decisions on participation in associations of com-
munities and the payment of membership fees
•  authorisation of community borrowing and other 

forms of financial mobilisation

•  approval of administrative structures, staff appoint-

ments, and pay scales

•  adoption of urban development plans and land-use 

regulations

•  establishment of citizen participation procedures, 

including public hearings

•  regulation of advertising, fireworks, and facility 

placement standards

•  exercise of additional powers as mandated by the 

constitution and laws

1.5.  Systems of multilevel governance

Representation: Communities are not directly repre-
sented at the national level. The Union of Communities 
of Armenia (CAA, caa.am) unites and represents local 
communities, and is the only national association of local 
authorities in Armenia. It engages in advocacy and coop-
erates with the government on local governance issues 
at the national level. It also represents Armenian local 
authorities (communities) internationally. In July 2025, 
the mayor of Yerevan was elected president of the CAA 
Board, which may strengthen the role of communities 
in Armenia’s national political landscape and enhance 
the influence of the organisation. 

⎢6

The relations between the EU and Armenia are based on 
the EU–Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partner-
ship Agreement (CEPA), which was signed on 24 Novem-
ber 2017. While most of its provisions came into effect 
provisionally on 1 June 2018, the agreement entered 
fully into force on 1 March 2021 following ratification 
by Armenia, all EU Member States, and the European 
Parliament. There are also a number of other agreements 
with the EU, such as on the common aviation area.

The development of the partnership with the European 
Union is one of the priorities of the foreign policy of 
the Republic of Armenia. On 4 April 2025, the President 
of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan, signed into law a 
bill mandating the government to formally initiate the 
country’s accession process to the European Union. This 
legislative act, adopted by the National Assembly by 
majority vote, integrates EU membership into Armenia’s 
legal and strategic framework for the first time. While it 
does not constitute a formal application for membership, 
the law establishes European integration as a national 
objective.

Armenia also maintains a diplomatic mission in Brussels.

Information and consultation: During the legislative 
process,  communities  receive  relevant  information 
through official correspondence from the competent 
department of the Ministry of Territorial Administration 
and Infrastructure. Where major reforms are concerned, 
the ministry or NGOs engage in direct communication 
and organise workshops for representatives of local 
self-government bodies.

All laws are posted on the parliament’s website (parlia-
ment.am) in three, and sometimes four, languages: Arme-
nian, Russian, English, and optionally French. However, 
most legal amendments are only available in Armenian. 
There is also an Armenian-only website (arlis.am) that 
hosts all current legislation, with all amendments, includ-
ing legal acts adopted by communities.

Coordination: The coordinating body for communities in 
Armenia is the Ministry of Territorial Administration and 
Infrastructure. One of its deputy ministers is responsible 
for coordinating and overseeing the activities of local 
self-government authorities.

1.6.  Relations with the EU/Representation 

at the EU level

Since 2009, one of the most important platforms for 
cooperation with the EU has been the Eastern Partner-
ship (EaP), a joint political initiative aimed at deepening 
relations between EU Member States and their eastern 
neighbours, including Armenia. The CAA has been very 
active in the Conference of Regional and Local Authori-
ties for the Eastern Partnership (CORLEAP), the local and 
regional arm of the EaP established in 2011 and politically 
led by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR). 
Armenia’s engagement within CORLEAP has included 
holding the rotating one-year co-chairmanship for the 
third time in 2025. 

 Armenia ⎢

⎢7

 Armenia ⎢

 2.  Division of powers between levels of government in areas subject to mandatory consultation of the CoR
To compare with the division of powers in Azerbaijan in the same area, click on the AZ button.

Transport

CENTRAL

•  development of policies and programmes aimed 
at improving the transport and road infrastruc-
ture sectors; monitoring and evaluation of their 
implementation;

•  development of technical norms and standards 

regulating transport operations;

•  monitoring compliance with mandatory licensing 

requirements;

•  coordination of intergovernmental and international 

cooperation in the transport sector;

•  planning and oversight of public transport systems 

and infrastructure strategies;

•  regulation of passenger and cargo transport, includ-
ing permits, tariffs, and safety of hazardous goods;
•  monitoring of compliance with transport legislation, 
including inspections and administrative sanctions;
•  development and implementation of national policy 
on civil aviation, including air transport regulation, 
flight safety, air navigation, and aviation security.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure

with government regulations;

•  analysis, impact assessment and forecasting of cur-

•  ensuring the construction, maintenance, and oper-

rent labour market trends;

ation of regional (local) roads; 

•  monitoring of the situation in the field.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Regions

LOCAL

•  organisation of the maintenance and operation of 
municipal roads and traffic management equip-
ment, bridges and other engineering structures;
•  organisation of safe road traffic on municipal roads;
•  organisation and management of the communi-
ty’s public transport and the activities of transport 
organisations under community jurisdiction;
issuance of permits for taxi and minibus services 
within the community.

• 

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Communities

•  provision of recommendations to the authorised 
education body regarding the list of professions 
and the allocation of tuition-free placements in 
education institutions;

•  creation and management of a labour market infor-

mation database;

•  establishment of official lists of seasonal jobs; jobs 
involving 24-hour shifts for specific categories of 
employees;  hazardous  and  arduous  industries, 
occupations, and positions; and jobs classified as 
hazardous or arduous for individuals under the 
age of eighteen.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs

LOCAL

•  provision of support on matters related to popula-

tion employment.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Communities

Employment

CENTRAL

REGIONAL

•  development, monitoring and evaluation of state 

employment programmes;

•  approval  of  inter-regional,  intra-regional,  and 
intra-municipal bus route networks in accordance 

•  approval of the methodology for the monitoring 
and evaluation of state employment programmes;

⎢8

Social

CENTRAL

•  development and implementation of the main and 
strategic directions of state policy in the field of 
social protection;

•  design and coordination of state-targeted pro-
grammes in social security, and oversight of their 
implementation;

•  formulation and implementation of state policy 
on pension security and benefits, including the 
administration of a unified state pension system;
•  development and implementation of social assis-

tance policy;

•  design and execution of state demographic policy 
and programmes aimed at improving demographic 
trends; conducting demographic impact assess-
ments of legal acts;

•  analysis, forecasting and dissemination of labour 

market data;

•  development and coordination of policies aimed at 

promoting and ensuring gender equality; 

•  development of procedures for adoption, foster 

care, and alternative care for children; 

•  development of a state strategy for the prevention 
of domestic violence and the protection of persons 
subjected to domestic violence, and coordination 
of the implementation of measures arising from 
the strategies;

•  development of policy on rights and inclusion of 

persons with disabilities;

•  oversight of  medical-social expertise and appeal 

processes;

•  development of policy and programmes aimed at 

 Armenia ⎢

supporting elderly persons in vulnerable or difficult 
life situations;

•  monitoring and coordination of regional social pro-

tection programmes and services.

of the social needs of the community in cooperation 
with other relevant institutions, entities and citizens.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Communities

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs

REGIONAL

•  ensuring the implementation of state social pro-

tection programmes;

•  ensuring the functioning of social protection bodies 
and organisations under regional responsibility;
•  ensuring the construction, maintenance and oper-
ation of buildings of social protection institutions 
under regional responsibility;

•  monitoring of the situation in the field of social 

protection;

•  participation in the development and implementa-

tion of community-level social programmes.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Regions

LOCAL

• 

implementation of measures for the early detection 
and prevention of risks and the causes of difficult 
living conditions in the community;

•  provision or organisation of the provision of social 
assistance within the framework of community 
social programmes;

•  social assessment of the family (with the exception 
of insecurity and complex assessment) in accordance 
with the regulations drawn up by the central body;
•  organisation of the development and implementation 
of various social programmes based on assessment 

Education

CENTRAL

•  development of national education programmes 

and policies;

•  development and monitoring of state education 

standards;

•  development of state standards for general edu-
cation, as well as the formulation and approval of 
national general education programmes, model 
curricula, and subject-specific syllabi;

•  approval of the characteristics of higher and post-
graduate professional education qualifications by 
profession and educational level;

•  development of state-standard graduation document 
forms (except for higher and postgraduate degrees);
•  recording and maintaining graduation documents 
of graduates of higher, postgraduate, vocational 
and general educational institutions;
licensing of educational institutions.

• 

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports

REGIONAL

• 

implementation of state general education pro-
grammes in public educational institutions under 
regional jurisdiction;

⎢9

•  organisation of the activities of state educational 

institutions under regional responsibility;

•  ensuring the construction, maintenance and oper-
ation of buildings of educational institutions that 
fall under regional responsibility;

•  continuous monitoring of the situation in the field 

of education.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Regions

•  development and allocation of tuition-free train-
ing  placements  within  vocational  education 
programmes, by profession and by educational 
institution, with costs fully covered by the state; 
licensing of educational institutions.

• 

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports

LOCAL

LOCAL

•  assessment and identification of professional com-

petency needs;

•  organisation of pre-school and extracurricular edu-

•  organisation  of  professional  development  and 

cation in the community;

upskilling for teaching staff.

•  management of local educational institutions and 

centres (schools, kindergartens, libraries);

•  organisation and management of the activities 
of schools that fall under the responsibility of the 
community; 

•  registration of school-age children and ensuring 

their enrolment in educational institutions.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Communities

Vocational training

CENTRAL

•  development of a vocational education and training 

strategy; 

•  approval of state educational standards and qual-
ification frameworks for vocational professions; 
establishment of lists of specialisations by profession 
and educational level;

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Communities

Youth and sports

CENTRAL

•  development and monitoring of state policies and 

programmes in the area of sports and youth;

•  ensuring the implementation of regional sports and 
youth policy in collaboration with regional state 
administration bodies;

•  supporting the preservation, dissemination and 
development  of  national  championships  and 
national sports; ensuring the diversity of sports 
activities;

•  facilitation of the participation of sports teams, 
youth groups, individual athletes, and young people 
in international events abroad;

 Armenia ⎢

exchange programmes in sports and youth;

•  development of the strategic directions of scientific 
and technological enhancement in physical culture 
and sports;

•  support for the modernisation of sports organisa-
tions and capacity building for youth organisations;
•  development and approval of standards for physical 

education and sports;

•  approval of legal acts pertaining to physical culture 
and sports, in particular mass sports, high-perfor-
mance sports and children’s and youth sports (e.g. 
remuneration of head and senior coaches of national 
teams, official financial rewards for athletes, organ-
isation of physical education and sports classes);
•  approval of the four-year Olympic preparation plan 

and the national sports events calendar;

•  annual youth study on the needs of young people.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports

REGIONAL

•  organisation of the activities of sports institutions 
under regional jurisdiction; coordination of mass 
events related to regional sports initiatives;
implementation of state policy concerning sports 
and youth in the region;

• 

•  ensuring the construction, maintenance and opera-
tion of sports institutions under regional jurisdiction;
•  ongoing monitoring and analysis of developments 
in the area of sports and youth at the regional level;
•  development and approval of the priority directions 
for the development of physical culture and sports 
in the region.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  development of international partnerships and 

•  Regions

⎢10

LOCAL

•  organisation and management of the activities of 
sports institutions that fall under the responsibility 
of the community;

•  organisation  of  regular  intra-community  and 
inter-community mass sports events and compe-
titions;

•  promotion of the development of physical culture 

and sports in the community;

•  construction and renovation of sports grounds and 
other sports facilities, and establishing recreation 
areas.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Communities

Culture

CENTRAL

•  development and monitoring of state policies and 

programmes;

•  development of educational standards, method-
ological manuals and programmes in the field of 
culture;
identification, registration, restoration and preser-
vation of cultural heritage objects;

• 

•  development and implementation of regulations for 
the preservation and protection of the intangible 
cultural heritage of Armenia;

•  management of cultural assets and of museum 
and library collections classified as state property;
implementation of measures to prevent and combat 
the illegal export and import of cultural objects 

• 

and the unlawful transfer of ownership rights to 
such objects;

•  adoption of decisions on the transfer of confiscated 
cultural property to state museums, libraries, and 
archives for permanent preservation;

•  establishment and implementation of regulations 
for the registration, preservation, restoration, replen-
ishment, study, presentation and dissemination of 
state museum and library collections;

•  maintenance of state registers of cultural heritage.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports 

of RA

REGIONAL

•  organisation of the activities of cultural institutions 
under regional jurisdiction; coordination of mass 
events related to regional cultural initiatives;
implementation of state cultural policy in the region;
• 
•  ensuring  the  construction,  maintenance,  and 
operation of cultural institutions under regional 
jurisdiction;

•  ongoing monitoring and analysis of developments 

in culture at the regional level;

•  preservation of historical and cultural monuments 

located in the region;

•  organisation of the construction, maintenance and 

operation of cultural facilities in the region.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Regions

LOCAL

•  ensuring implementation of state cultural policy in 

the community;

 Armenia ⎢

•  organisation and management of the activities of 
cultural organisations and institutions under the 
responsibility of the community, and the operation 
and renovation of cultural facilities established by 
the community;
inventory and maintenance of a register of the 
community’s tourism resources, including natural, 
historical and cultural assets.

• 

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Communities

Public health

CENTRAL

•  development of standards and criteria for the organ-
isation of medical care and the assessment of its 
quality; monitoring the standards’ implementation;
•  development of the national health policy, strategies 

and programmes;

•  development of state drug-policy programmes and 

monitoring of their implementation;

•  collection, analysis and assessment of information 
on the health system and the health status of the 
population;

•  periodic analysis and assessment of children’s and 
women’s health, identification of key issues, devel-
opment of measures to improve the situation, and 
monitoring of their implementation;

•  development and approval of standards, guidelines 
and procedures for the organisation of state-guar-
anteed medical care and services;

•  development of mandatory requirements and condi-
tions for licensing and qualification, and monitoring 

⎢11

of their compliance;

•  approval of public health standards and sanitary-ep-

idemiological safety rules;

•  state registration of products subject to sanitary-ep-

idemiological control;

•  epidemiological surveillance and disease prevention.

Responsible ministries/bodies
•  Ministry of Health

REGIONAL

• 

implementation  of  public  health improvement 
programmes;

•  organisation of activities of healthcare institutions 

under regional jurisdiction;

•  construction,  maintenance,  and  operation  of 

regional healthcare facilities;

•  participation in anti-epidemic and quarantine meas-

ures in the region;

•  monitoring of the situation in the healthcare sector.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Regions

LOCAL

•  organisation and oversight of medical care and 
service institutions under community jurisdiction;
•  organisation of outpatient medical care and services 

in the community.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Communities

Trans-European networks

N/A

Economic, social and
territorial cohesion

CENTRAL

•  development of macroeconomic policy and the 

organisation of its implementation;

•  development of fiscal policy, including management 

of the budget process;

•  development of state and community revenue 

policy;

•  development and implementation of public debt 

policy;

•  development and implementation of financial and 

budgetary control policy;

•  development of procurement policy;
•  ensuring international and interstate financial coop-
eration, including the coordination and monitoring 
of loans and donations provided to the Republic of 
Armenia and its communities;

•  enhancement of the business environment and 
promotion of entrepreneurship; advancement of 
sustainable economic development and increased 
economic competitiveness, including through green 
economy initiatives and economic modernisation;

•  ensuring a favourable investment environment;
•  development of international economic relations 

and foreign trade;

•  enhancement of industrial competitiveness and 

technological modernisation;

•  enhancement of the competitiveness of the tourism 

sector and related industries;

•  development of the consumer protection system;
• 
improvement of the efficiency of public investments;
•  agricultural development and implementation of 

 Armenia ⎢

the unified agrarian policy;

•  development of the agri-food system of the Repub-
lic of Armenia and enhancement of national food 
security;

•  development of state policy in the field of territorial 

administration and local self-government; 

•  development and implementation of infrastructure 

policy in the regions and communities;

•  development of innovative and investment pro-
grammes aimed at promoting balanced regional 
and community development;

•  ensuring a favourable environment for business 
development and attracting investment to across 
the Republic of Armenia;

•  ensuring the implementation of programmes aimed 
at improving the quality of services provided to 
the population by local government bodies and 
expanding access to these services.

Responsible ministries/bodies
•  Ministry of Finance 
•  Ministry of Economy
•  Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure

REGIONAL

•  development of proposals aiming to achieve bal-

anced territorial development;

•  development of proposals on the annual allocations 
from the state budget necessary for the implemen-
tation of state administration in the region;
implementation of measures to protect and effec-
tively use state property in the territory of the region;
implementation of the government’s policy on eco-
nomic development in the region;

• 

• 

•  overseeing the development of the regional devel-
opment strategy and monitoring and evaluating its 

⎢12

implementation;

•  development of proposals for the government’s 
consideration regarding the mid-term expenditure 
programme and state budget drafts, including the 
part related to the region;

•  verification of the compliance of budgets submitted 
by community heads in the region with the princi-
ples and methodologies defined by law; 

•  drafting of a summary report on all community 
budgets in the administrative territory of the region 
and its submission to the authorised body at the 
state (central) level.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Regions

LOCAL

•  development and management of the community 

budget;

•  organisation of and control over the collection 
of local taxes and duties, and rents on communi-
ty-owned land and property;

•  the council of elders, upon the proposal of the com-
munity head, may establish privileges regarding 
real estate and vehicle property taxes (local taxes);
•  the council of elders, upon the proposal of the com-
munity head, may increase the rates for property 
tax on vehicles in accordance with the law.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Communities

Environment and fight
against climate change

CENTRAL

•  development and implementation of national strat-
egies and programmes on the sustainable manage-
ment and protection of land, water, air, biodiversity, 
forests, and the rational use and reproduction of 
natural resources (with the exception of minerals);
•  development of economic mechanisms and tools 
for environmental protection and the rational use 
and reproduction of natural resources (with the 
exception of mineral resources); 

•  development of methodologies for calculating envi-
ronmental damage and establishing a mechanism 
for environmental liability;

•  development and implementation of policies to 
facilitate the transition to a green economy and to 
promote the adoption of best available technologies 
for environmental protection; 
international cooperation in the field of environ-
mental protection; 

• 

•  development and implementation of policies on 
forest expansion, the development of eco-tourism 
in protected areas, and wildlife management;

•  environmental impact assessment and issuance of 

expert opinions;

•  monitoring of environmental quality and waste 

disposal sites;

•  development and monitoring of national water pol-
icy; setting of water usage standards and ecological 
minimum flows;

 Armenia ⎢

•  development and implementation of national policy 
on environmentally safe management of chemicals 
and waste;

•  classification of chemical substances produced and 
used in the territory of the Republic of Armenia 
and of related industrial (including mining) and 
consumer waste, according to the degree of hazard;
•  development of programmes in energy efficiency 
and renewable energy  and monitoring of their 
implementation; development of economic and 
legal mechanisms to promote the efficient use of 
domestic renewable energy resources.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Ministry of Environment
•  Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure

REGIONAL

•  participation  in  the  development  of  state  pro-
grammes for nature and environmental protection 
and ensuring their implementation in the territory 
of the region.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Regions

LOCAL

•  protection of community-owned lands, local pro-

tected areas, and forests;

•  oversight of the implementation of environmental 
protection measures on community-owned lands; 
•  ensuring the protection of lands from erosion, flood-
ing, and contamination with chemicals, radioactive 
substances, industrial and household waste.

•  norm-setting and state accounting for emissions of 

Responsible ministries/bodies

harmful substances into the atmosphere;

•  Communities

⎢13

Energy

CENTRAL

Agriculture

CENTRAL

 Armenia ⎢

•  participation in combating agricultural crop dis-
eases and pests, and in the implementation of state 
anti-epidemic programmes and quarantine meas-
ures within the region;

•  monitoring the situation in the field.

•  development, implementation and monitoring of 
state policy and programmes in the field of energy, 
including energy efficiency and renewable energy;
•  promotion of competition and operational efficiency 
in the energy sector, and creation of the necessary 
conditions for the development of a competitive 
market environment;

•  development of economic and legal mechanisms 
to promote the efficient use of domestic renewable 
energy resources;

•  development of standardisation documents for 

energy saving and energy efficiency; 

•  ensuring the development and implementation 
of state policy on the use of nuclear energy for 
peaceful purposes;

•  development of programmes and measures for the 
safe operation and decommissioning of nuclear 
power plants, monitoring of their implementation, 
and coordination of physical protection of nuclear 
sites;

•  development of operational and safety rules and 
requirements for energy facilities, as well as reg-
ulations and restrictions on land use within their 
security zones;

•  maintenance of administrative energy statistics 

and registers.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure

•  development and implementation of the unified 

Responsible ministries/bodies

agrarian policy of the Republic of Armenia;

•  Regions

•  development of programmes for agricultural prod-
uct processing, plant growing, animal husbandry, 
industrial fish farming, etc., and the monitoring of 
their implementation;

•  ensuring  the  efficient  use  and  maintenance  of 
agricultural land, and the improvement of land 
reclamation;

•  development and implementation of key mecha-
nisms, strategic directions, and actions to support 
the technological modernisation of agriculture and 
the adoption of innovative solutions;

•  establishment of the list of permitted and restricted 
substances in organic agriculture – including fer-
tilisers, soil structure and fertility enhancers, plant 
protection products, and disinfectants – and the 
procedures for their use;

•  establishment of the list and procedures for the use 
of additives and ingredients used in the processing 
of food raw materials.

Responsible ministries/bodies
•  Ministry of Economy 

REGIONAL

LOCAL

•  operation, construction and repair of community 

• 
• 

irrigation networks;
inventory of the community’s agricultural resources;
implementation or support for the implementation 
of agricultural programmes within the community.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Communities

Fisheries policy

N/A1

Responsible ministries/bodies
•  Ministry of Economy

•  preparation of the regional land balance;
•  development and revision of temporary land use 

schemes;

•  participation in the implementation of national 

policies in the region;

1  Armenia is a landlocked country, and domestic fish farming 
is conducted in artificial lakes and ponds. All public functions 
pertaining to this sub-industry are outlined in the ‘Agricultural 
Policy’ section.

⎢14

 Armenia ⎢

Immigration and asylum

Tourism policy

CENTRAL

CENTRAL

Civil protection

CENTRAL

•  approval of refugee recognition, asylum and other 

•  development and implementation of policies and 

•  general management and monitoring in the area 

asylum-related procedures;

•  provision of financial resources for the implemen-
tation of asylum-related measures in the draft state 
budget;

•  establishment  of  a  temporary  accommodation 

centre;

•  provision of legal, social and other assistance to 

foreign citizens and stateless persons;

•  centralised  registration  of  asylum  seekers  and 

refugees;

•  organisation of care for minors separated from their 
families and for asylum seekers with disabilities; 
•  assistance to refugees forcibly displaced from Azer-
baijan in 1988–1992 in obtaining citizenship of the 
Republic of Armenia, as well as educational, health, 
legal and other assistance.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Migration Service operating under the Ministry of 

Internal Affairs

LOCAL

•  appointment of a guardian (or trustee) for unaccom-
panied or separated minor asylum seekers within 
their community.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Communities

programmes aimed at developing tourism;

•  approval  of  support  programmes  for  tourism 

companies;

•  adoption of decisions on the designation of tourist 
centres and tourist villages, and approval of the 
minimum criteria required for granting such status;
•  determination of standards for the provision of 
tourist services that pose a risk to human life; 

•  approval of tourist routes;
•  maintenance of registers of tourism service provid-

ers and tourism resources; 

•  organisation of tourism advertising activities, includ-

ing marketing studies.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  The Tourism  Committee  under  the  Ministry  of 

Economy

of civil protection;
implementation of a unified state policy;

• 
•  establishment of the procedure for implementing 

civil protection measures;

•  development of civil protection plans and pro-
grammes, control over their implementation;

•  establishment and organisation of the procedure 

for warning and informing the population;

•  training of government bodies and the general 

public;

•  coordination and control of the process for accu-
mulating financial, food, medical and other material 
resources and funds to provide assistance to victims.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Prime Minister 
•  Ministry of Internal Affairs

LOCAL

REGIONAL

•  discussion of proposals for tourism development 
submitted by the Tourism Committee, including pro-
posals to declare tourist centres or tourist villages; 
•  maintenance of a register of community tourism 

resources;

•  development of tourism infrastructure, as well as 
the organisation of events aimed at tourism devel-
opment in the territory of the community.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Communities

•  organisation of civil protection measures in the 

territory of the region;

•  organisation and coordination of work on elimi-
nating the consequences of emergency situations, 
preventing natural and man-made disasters, reduc-
ing risks and eliminating the consequences in the 
territory of the region;

•  creation of regional civil protection services and 

response units;

•  organisation of evacuation of the population and 
safeguarding of material and cultural assets in the 
region;

⎢15

•  organisation of shelters for the regional population, 
and provision of personal protective equipment.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Regions

LOCAL

•  planning, organisation and implementation of civil 

• 

protection in the community;
implementation of measures to ensure the safe 
operation of community facilities; 

•  evacuation of the community population and safe-
guarding of material and cultural assets; sheltering 
the population and provision of personal protective 
equipment;

•  creation of community civil protection services and 

response units.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Communities

 Armenia ⎢

⎢16

 Azerbaijan

1.   Introduction

Azerbaijan is a democratic, secular and unitary republic 
governed by the rule of law, pursuant to Article 7 of 
the constitution. It is a presidential republic with three 
branches of power: the legislative, the executive and 
the judicial. 

The President of Azerbaijan is the head of the executive 
branch. The president appoints the prime minister and 
members of the Cabinet of Ministers, with the approval 
of parliament. The Parliament of Azerbaijan, called Milli 
Majlis, consists of 125 deputies. It is elected under a 
majoritarian electoral system for a five-year term.

The Elections Code sets out the general principles, the 
rules governing electoral commissions, and the pro-
cedures for drawing up voters’ lists and the eligibility 
requirements for candidates in municipal elections.

Judicial power is exercised by the Constitutional Court, 
the Supreme Court, the courts of appeal, the general 
courts and other specialised courts of the Republic of 
Azerbaijan.

1.1.  General division of powers

The general division of powers in Azerbaijan comprises 
central and local levels, with central power exercised by 

the president and ministries, and local power exercised by 
local executive authorities (LEAs) and municipal councils. 
Azerbaijan is a unitary state with no executive admin-
istrative regional bodies between the central and local 
levels, except for the Nakhchivan Autonomous Repub-
lic, which has a special status and certain autonomous 
arrangements. The regional division into ten economic 
regions, which was introduced in 2021, is used only for 
planning, statistics and regional development. 

At the central level, the president exercises significant 
executive power under the constitution. The president 
appoints and dismisses senior state officials, the heads 
of local executive authorities, and determines many 
of their powers. Central executive bodies – ministries, 
committees and other agencies – are entrusted with 
implementing state policy.

Local-level governance is split into administrative-territo-
rial units and local self-government units. There are three 
types of administrative-territorial units in Azerbaijan: 
rayons (districts), cities, and urban districts within large 
cities (such as Baku), which are all at the same level. Their 
administration is exercised by LEAs as executive bodies, 
which correspond to administrative-territorial units: there 
is an LEA for each rayon, city and city district. LEAs may 
also have representative offices in villages or settlements 
under these units. LEAs are not self-governing bodies, 
but are part of the state executive power appointed 

⎢17

 
 Azerbaijan ⎢

by the president. They oversee the implementation 
of state policies in these territories. In parallel, local 
self-government is exercised in municipalities, which 
are independent local self-government units within a 
territory defined by law, for example a city or a village. A 
municipality has its own property and local budget, and 
it resolves important local issues independently within 
its powers defined by the constitution and the law. As 
of 2025, the number of municipalities is 685.

The legal status of LEAs is defined by the Regulation on 
Local Executive Authority. Pursuant to Article 109 of the 
constitution and Article 1.1. of the regulation, they are 
established by the president as territorial branches of 
state administration. The president appoints heads of 
local state administration to oversee and manage their 
activities. These heads in turn appoint heads of local 
LEA subdivisions in the villages and other settlements 
within their territory. Pursuant to Article 3.1.2 of the 
Regulation on Local Executive Authority, the heads of 
local state administration are responsible for implement-
ing instructions from the President of the Republic of 
Azerbaijan. These local heads ensure the protection of 
citizens’ rights, freedoms and property, and maintain 
public order within their respective territories. Their role 
includes coordinating the activities of local executive 
bodies with central executive structures, municipalities, 
non-governmental organisations, and other entities 
operating in the area. They are tasked with executing 
actions outlined in action plans approved by the Presi-
dential Administration. Local executive heads represent 
their districts or cities in relations with state authorities 
and at official events. The LEAs, while nominally referred 
to as a local tier of government, cannot be considered 
local self-government, since they lack autonomy and 
simply implement decisions taken by the central govern-
ment. Furthermore, the LEAs receive instructions from 

the Presidential Administration and Cabinet of Ministers 
that require them to implement laws, presidential decrees 
or relevant instructions once these have been adopted 
and published in the official Database of Legislation.

Pursuant to the Law on the Status of Municipalities, 
municipalities represent a form of local self-govern-
ment that operate within territories defined by law. 
They possess their own property and local budget, and 
address key local matters autonomously, pursuant to 
the powers granted by the Constitution of the Republic 
of Azerbaijan and relevant legislation. Regardless of the 
number of citizens, municipalities have equal responsi-
bilities and rights. A municipality can adopt a decision 
to conduct a local referendum on its own initiative and 
in keeping with the municipal charter, or at the request 
of the population. Furthermore, this law regulates the 
role and structure of municipal bodies and outlines the 
state guarantees concerning their legal and financial 
autonomy. Special attention is paid to the adoption and 
execution of municipal programmes on social protec-
tion, social and economic development, and the local 
environment. The Law on Municipal Service, in turn, 
regulates the activities of municipal employees, their 
rights, duties, labour conditions and social benefits, and 
outlines the structure of the executive apparatus and 
the organisation of municipal service.

The Law on the Transfer of Property into Municipal Own-
ership establishes standards for determining municipal 
property and transferring it to municipal ownership. The 
Law on Municipal Finance sets out the principles of local 
finance, the basis for the local budget, and the division 
of powers between the local council and local executive 
bodies. This law also regulates legal issues concerning 
the adoption, implementation and monitoring of local 
budgets. The Law on Municipal Territory and Lands, and 

the List of Municipalities of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 
define municipal boundaries. Other laws also regulate 
issues of municipal property; these laws include the 
Law on Land Reform, the Law on Municipal Taxes and 
Payments, and the Law on the Merging of Municipalities. 

Municipalities have limited powers in implementing 
public matters, and most public services, as well as 
their implementation or regulation, fall under the direct 
responsibility of state bodies. 

Reforms have been implemented under the State Pro-
gramme on Socio-Economic Development of Regions 
(2019–2023) and the Constitutional Reform of 2016, which 
modified local government structures. The Regulation on 
Local Executive Authority was revised in 2021, expanding 
some powers and introducing stricter oversight mecha-
nisms. While LEAs remain centralised, the 2021 amend-
ments to the Law on Municipalities granted slightly more 
budgetary autonomy to municipalities, although this is 
still limited. Certain functions (such as local infrastructure 
projects) have been gradually delegated to municipalities, 
although LEAs still dominate key areas.

As a member of the Council of Europe, Azerbaijan signed 
the European Charter of Local Self-Government on 21 
December 2001 and ratified it on 15 April 2002. The 
charter entered into force in Azerbaijan on 1 August 
2002. Within that framework, the Congress of Local and 
Regional Authorities made several recommendations 
on the status of municipalities. The most recent report, 
issued in 2021, noted that “the distribution of powers 
and functions between municipalities and local execu-
tive authorities as well as their factual relations remain 
ill-defined”. Furthermore, concern was expressed that the 
instruments allowing citizens to participate in municipal 
life are used sparingly. Despite legislation providing for 
judicial protection, it was pointed out that municipalities 

⎢18

rarely challenge legal acts in the courts. The Congress 
also requested that the Committee of Ministers call on 
Azerbaijani authorities to clarify in legislation the rela-
tions between municipalities and local state executive 
bodies, as well as their overlapping responsibilities.

1.2.  Central level

The central level is in charge of:

•  registration of citizens’ legal documents and civil acts
•  sanitation and epidemiology
•  standardisation and metrology
•  geodesy and cartography 
•  police
•  fire prevention
•  regulation of communications (telephone, postal 

and telegraph services)

•  management of public transport and national trans-

port infrastructure

•  education (primary, secondary and tertiary)
•  healthcare
•  regulation of housing
•  public utilities (national infrastructure)
•  employment services
• 
•  road maintenance 
•  environmental protection
land allocation (large-scale/state land)
• 
•  museums (national-level institutions)
•  parks (national parks and protected areas)

land reclamation (melioration)

1.3.  Regional level

In July 2021, the President of Azerbaijan approved a 
decree setting out a new division of the country into 14 
economic regions, replacing the previous division of 10 

regions. These economic regions are used for planning, 
statistics, and regional development, but they do not 
have administrative authority.

Pursuant to Article 134 of the constitution, the Auton-
omous Republic of Nakhchivan (the ARN) is an auton-
omous unit within the Republic of Azerbaijan, but it 
continues to form part of the Republic under national 
law. Azerbaijan’s legislation applies throughout the 
autonomous territory, while the constitution and laws 
adopted by the Ali Majlis – the Supreme Assembly of the 
ARN – must not contradict legal acts of the Republic of 
Azerbaijan. In the ARN, legislative power is exercised by 
the Ali Majlis, executive power by the Cabinet of Ministers, 
and judicial power by the courts.

1.4.  Local level

At the local level, Azerbaijan has two types of governance: 
LEAs, fulfilling the role of local bodies representing the 
state administration in the districts (rayons), cities and 
urban districts; and municipalities as local self-govern-
ments. Rayons are a form of administrative division in 
Azerbaijan and function as subdivisions of the state. 
Each rayon is administered by a single local executive 
authority, which represents the central executive power 
at the local level. Rayons do not possess autonomous 
self-governance or legal personality. Municipalities, on 
the other hand, are local-self-government units governed 
by municipal councils and headed by a chairperson. 

The LEAs’ powers are defined by Article 124 of the con-
stitution and the Law on Local Executive Authorities, 
which state that LEA heads should perform the following 
functions: 

 Azerbaijan ⎢

• 

implementation of state programmes authorised 
by  the  President  of  Azerbaijan,  as  well  as  local 
programmes 

•  establishment and dissolution of local state admin-
istration departments, services, enterprises and 
organisations; appointment and dismissal of their 
heads 

•  annulment of any documents that run counter to 

existing legislation 

•  conduct of elections, national referenda and public 

discussions as set out in legislation

•  submission of issues and proposals concerning local 
development to the appropriate executive bodies
•  execution of other duties as established by legislation

With regard to municipalities, Chapter 9 of the con-
stitution addresses major issues of local self-govern-
ment, such as municipalities’ legal status, types of local 
self-government bodies, their basic powers and their 
relationships with other official entities. The following 
functions are assigned to municipalities pursuant to the 
constitution (Articles 142–146): 

•  recognition of the authority of municipality mem-
bers, and loss and termination of their authority in 
cases prescribed by law

•  approval of the rules of procedure of the municipality
•  election of the chairperson and deputy chairpersons 
of the municipality, and of its standing and other 
commissions

•  fixing of local taxes and duties
•  approval of the local budget and of reports on its 

implementation

•  possession of municipal property, and of its use 

and disposal

• 

implementation of orders issued by the President 
of Azerbaijan 

•  adoption and implementation of local social security 

and social development programmes

⎢19

•  adoption and implementation of local economic 

  organisation, maintenance and development of 

•  organisation of local cultural events in coordination 

 Azerbaijan ⎢

development programmes

•  adoption and implementation of local environmen-

tal programmes

Pursuant to the constitution, the legislature and the 
executive may grant municipalities additional powers. 
Corresponding funds shall be allocated for the exercise 
of these powers. 

Articles 142–145 of the constitution define the key princi-
ples of local self-government, including those related to 
municipalities and their powers. Moreover, the European 
Charter of Local Self-Government (ratified by Azerbaijan 
in 2002) requires Azerbaijan to guarantee municipalities’ 
autonomy and the exclusivity of powers they hold. This 
provision is not reflected in the Law on Municipalities. 
Meanwhile, Article 124 of the constitution states that 
the heads of local executive bodies (LEAs) exercise local 
executive authority and allows the president to define 
the limits of LEAs’ powers; consequently, the setting of 
municipal boundaries and the limits of municipal powers 
is subject to presidential discretion. 

Municipalities (local self-government units) have both 
exclusive and shared powers.

Exclusive powers as set out in the Law on the Status of 
Municipalities:
(powers  not  mentioned  in  the  state’s  development 
programmes, or matters that require complementary 
measures at the local level):

•  Local social protection and social development 

• 

programmes, including:
  pre-school education
  education
  healthcare
  culture

sanitation facilities

  construction of housing
  use of locally important water resources
  organisation, maintenance, and development of 

local water supply and sewerage systems
  organisation of fuel supply and distribution
  construction and maintenance of roads of local 

importance

•  Local economic development programmes, including:

  agriculture
 
industry
  communications
 

transport

•  Local environmental programmes, including:
  maintaining the local ecological balance
  cleaning and improvement of municipal areas
  collection, transport and recycling of waste

Shared competences as set out in relevant legislation: 

•  development and regulation of local spatial plan-

ning documents (for example, general plans)

•  use of municipal land in accordance with national 

legislation

•  participation in land cadastre and land use moni-

toring processes

•  energy and fuel distribution
•  waste management services
• 

implementation of joint environmental and eco-
logical protection initiatives
local  actions  aligned  with  national  ecological 
programmes

•  participation in local public transport planning and 

management

•  protection and promotion of local cultural monu-

ments and traditions

with state cultural bodies

1.5.  Systems of multilevel governance

Representation:
Municipalities in Azerbaijan are represented by the Azer-
baijan National Association of Municipalities (ABMA). The 
purpose of this association is to coordinate municipalities’ 
activities, to ensure that these activities comply with 
international legal norms and national legislation, and 
strengthen and develop local self-government in the 
Republic of Azerbaijan. 

Information and Consultation:
The Law on the Status of Municipalities and related 
legislation require state bodies, including ministries and 
other central executive authorities, to consult munici-
palities and their associations when adopting legal acts 
that concern them. In addition, municipalities must be 
informed of changes in the law. Municipal associations 
take part in events and are involved in proposals for 
legislative changes.

Under the Law on the Status of Municipalities, adminis-
trative appeals by municipalities, municipal bodies and 
municipal officials (for example, petitions or complaints) 
must be considered within one month by state bodies, 
political parties, public associations, trade unions, or 
other legal persons and their officials. Residents of a 
municipality, the municipalities themselves, municipal 
bodies, and municipal officials may apply to a court to 
overturn acts violating local self-government rights 
issued by state bodies or state officials, municipalities, 
municipal bodies and municipal officials, legal persons 
established by municipalities, or public associations.

⎢20

Coordination:
The coordination and oversight of municipalities’ activ-
ities are the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice of 
the Republic of Azerbaijan. Within the Ministry, this role 
is carried out by the Centre for Work with Municipalities, 
which conducts ex post supervision of municipal acts. This 
means that municipalities are obliged to submit certain 
adopted acts within three working days of their adop-
tion, pursuant to Article 6 of the Law on Administrative 
Supervision of Activities of Municipalities. The Centre also 
provides methodological guidance, organises training 
for municipal officials, and monitors legal compliance. 
The municipal associations also collaborate with the 
state, particularly through legislative processes, joint 
projects, and international cooperation. For example, 
the associations represent municipalities internationally 
and seek improvements to laws affecting them.

1.6.  Relations with the EU/Representation 

at the EU level

Azerbaijan has been part of the Eastern Partnership 
initiative since 2009. The country is represented in the 
Conference of Regional and Local Authorities for the East-
ern Partnership (CORLEAP), a political forum of local and 
regional authorities from the European Union and the 
Eastern Partnership countries, held under the auspices 
of the European Committee of the Regions. 

Azerbaijan also has an embassy in Brussels, which repre-
sents the country’s interests in negotiations and broader 
relations with the European Union. 

 Azerbaijan ⎢

⎢21

 2.  Division of powers between levels of government in areas subject to mandatory consultation of the CoR
To compare with the division of powers in Armenia in the same area, click on the AM button.

 Azerbaijan ⎢

Transport

CENTRAL

•  establishment of general rules for transport;
•  development of the road transport sector, formation 
and implementation of a unified state policy in cargo 
and passenger transport;
implementation of a unified scientific and technical 
policy in the road transport sector, setting its priority 
directions;

• 

•  preparation  of  sectoral  and  inter-sectoral  pro-
grammes aimed at the further development of 
the  road  transport  system,  and  ensuring  their 
implementation; preparation of a socio-economic 
development concept for the road transport sector;
•  taking  measures  to  develop  and  increase  the 
competitiveness of all transport corridors passing 
through the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
international cooperation in the road transport 
sector;
implementation of measures to ensure the attraction 
of foreign investment in the road transport sector;

• 

• 

•  road and railway transport;
•  maritime transport;
•  air transport.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of 

the Republic of Azerbaijan

LOCAL

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  maintenance of roads of local importance;
•  organisation of local transport and related services.

•  Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the 

Republic of Azerbaijan

Employment

CENTRAL

issuance of regulatory legal acts;
implementation of state labour policy;

• 
• 
•  combating violations of employees’ and employers’ 

rights and ensuring redress for both;

•  coordination  with  agencies  such  as  the  State 
Employment Agency and Digital Development Min-
istry to extend e-government tools to employment;
• 
issuance of work permits;
•  reduction of unemployment;
•  oversight of safe and healthy working conditions 

for employees;

•  exercising state control over compliance with the 
Labour Code and other labour-related regulatory 
legal acts;
initiating  administrative  liability  procedures  in 
accordance  with  the  Code  of  Administrative 
Offences of the Republic of Azerbaijan;

• 

•  participating in the digitalisation of employment 
services under the National Employment Strategy 
2021–2025.

LOCAL

• 

implementation of employment and labour market 
measures within their budget constraints;

•  enforcing legislation and implementing national 

policies and strategies.

Social

CENTRAL

•  creation of policies and issuance of regulatory legal 

acts;

•  adoption of measures to prevent child neglect;
• 

facilitation of participation by municipalities, NGOs, 
legal entities and individuals in the provision of 
social services to people in need;

•  development of a unified classification of social 

services;

•  development and establishment of the necessary 
infrastructure and conditions for ensuring social 
services, including material and technical resources;
•  ensuring the provision of social services to persons 

(families) in need;

•  development of international cooperation in the 
provision of social services and creation of conditions 

⎢22

 Azerbaijan ⎢

for the exchange of experience;
implementation of other measures in social services.

• 

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Ministry of Labour and Social Protection

LOCAL

•  adoption and implementation of programmes for 
social protection and development, as well as local 
economic development;

•  provision  of  social  assistance  to  people  of  low 
income not covered by state social programmes.

Education

CENTRAL

•  determination, implementation and monitoring of 

a unified state policy in education;

•  creation of an educational environment and condi-

tions that meet international standards;

•  determination of the amounts of state budget funds 

and grants;

•  setting of student admission plans for initial voca-
tional, higher, and secondary specialised educational 
institutions;

•  approval of national educational standards and 

curricula;

• 

•  determination of the procedure for the recognition 
and equivalence of foreign higher education quali-
fications (nostrification);
issuance and revocation of special permits (licences) 
for the operation of educational institutions;
•  quality assurance in educational institutions;
•  establishment of accreditation procedures and con-
ducting accreditation of educational institutions;
•  coordination of scientific research conducted in 

•  coordination of international programmes for voca-

tional education;

•  cooperation with entrepreneurs, their unions, pro-
fessional associations in the preparation of educa-
tional standards and programmes;

•  determination  of  the  amount  of  state  budget 
funds allocated to the development of vocational 
education;

•  appointment and dismissal of heads of state voca-

higher educational institutions;

tional education institutions;

•  determination of the procedure and conditions for 

awarding academic degrees and titles;

•  approval of basic curricula and programmes.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic 

of Azerbaijan

LOCAL

•  management of pre-school, primary, and secondary 
education, in partnership with central (state) bodies, 
particularly through Local Executive Authorities 
(LEAs) and district-level Education Departments.

Vocational training

CENTRAL

•  oversight of the implementation of measures;
•  preparation of internship programmes in workplaces 

• 

and vocational training institutions;
issuance of licences for the operation of vocational 
training institutions;

•  accreditation of vocational education institutions 

and certification of educators;

•  provision of general education and specialised text-
books, teaching aids, literature, and technical aids;
•  provision of vocational training and professional 

development for the elderly.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic 

of Azerbaijan

LOCAL

•  establishment and management of local vocational 

education institutions.

•  appointment and dismissal of heads of state edu-

•  determination and implementation of vocational 

• 

cational institutions; 
implementation of bilateral, regional, and interna-
tional education development programmes;

education;

•  setting of student intake plans for vocational edu-

cation and training (VET) institutions;

•  approval of formats for state education certificates 

•  development and approval of the qualifications 

and rules for their issuance;

framework for VET institutions;

⎢23

Youth and sports

CENTRAL

Culture

CENTRAL

•  creation of local cultural programmes;
•  maintenance of local cultural facilities;
•  maintenance of historic and cultural monuments;
• 

local cultural organisations.

 Azerbaijan ⎢

LOCAL

•  development of youth policies;
•  promotion of youth employment;
•  provision of support for young families;
•  provision of support for youth organisations;
• 

formulation and implementation of state policy in 
physical culture and sports;

• 

formulation and implementation of national cul-
tural policy;

•  restoration, preservation, development and pro-

motion of national culture;

•  ensuring public access to the values and assets of 

Azerbaijani and world culture;

•  preparation of national teams and coaching staff 

•  support for the professional development of tal-

for international competitions;

•  organisation and hosting of international champi-

• 

onships and tournaments in Azerbaijan;

ented individuals in the cultural sector;
international cooperation and facilitation of cultural 
exchange;

•  support and organisation of sports events for per-

•  representation and promotion of Azerbaijani cul-

sons with disabilities;

ture abroad;

•  development of sports infrastructure and logistics;
• 
•  construction, renovation, and maintenance of sports 

international cooperation in sports;

•  approval of the classification of national cultural 

heritage sites and assets;

•  maintenance of the state register of cultural entities 

facilities;

and heritage;

•  oversight of governance and intersectoral coordi-

•  granting of recognition and rewards for cultural 

nation in the sports sector.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Ministry of Youth and Sports

LOCAL

• 

• 

implementation of state youth policies at the local 
level;
implementation of national programmes in physical 
culture and sports;

•  management of sports and leisure services;
•  organisation of local sports events;
•  maintenance of local sports facilities.

workers;

•  creation and development of the necessary infra-
structure and material and technical resources;
•  establishment, development, and coordination of 
the activities of Azerbaijani cultural centres abroad;
•  organisation of Azerbaijani cultural events in foreign 

countries;

•  carrying  out  other  initiatives  aimed  at  cultural 

development.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Public health

CENTRAL

•  state policies and legislation;
•  data collection and management;
•  provision of primary and specialist healthcare;
• 
•  financing;
• 

licensing for private sector healthcare providers;

information  provision  and  health  promotion 
measures;

•  healthcare programmes;
• 
•  defining the rules for the organisation and func-

international cooperation;

tioning of the health system;

•  environmental protection and ensuring environ-

mental safety;

•  payment of premiums for the compulsory health 

insurance identification procedure;
family and child protection.

• 

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan

LOCAL

• 

local healthcare programmes;

⎢24

Local government units own their own:

•  district hospitals;
•  polyclinics;
•  specialised clinics.

regional  development  strategies  (2023–2027, 
2023–2030);

•  allocation of public investment by region and sector;
•  support for entrepreneurship and SMEs via dedi-

cated agencies;

Environment and fight
against climate change

•  establishment of economic zones and industrial 

CENTRAL

 Azerbaijan ⎢

Trans-European networks

CENTRAL

•  management of the road network;
•  oversight of the railway network;
•  regulation of maritime transport;
•  administration of aviation;
•  maintenance of energy networks, including elec-

tricity, oil and gas;

•  oversight of telecommunications networks.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of 

the Republic of Azerbaijan

•  Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan
•  State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads

Economic, social and
territorial cohesion

CENTRAL

• 

implementation of multi-year State Programmes for 
Socio-Economic Development of Regions (2004–
2023; 2023–2030);

•  preparation and implementation of new five-year 

parks in regions;

•  macroeconomic monitoring of cohesion impact;
•  transparency through public reporting of cohesion 

funds and outcomes;

•  strategic  alignment  of  national  and  regional 

development;

•  promotion of digitalisation and innovation as tools 

for cohesion;

•  resettlement of internally displaced persons to the 

Karabakh region;

•  reintegration of the Karabakh region into Azerbai-

jan’s economic space.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan
•  Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan
•  Ministry of Digital Development and Transportation 

of the Republic of Azerbaijan

LOCAL

•  provision of social and aid services;
•  support  for  local  economic  development  and 

• 
• 

commerce;
licensing of land-use planning and development;
issuance of permits and conduct of inspections for 
commercial activities in towns and cities.

•  preparation of state policy and strategic measures 

for its implementation;

•  determination of the rules and quality standards for 
the environmental performance of the economy;

•  environmental protection;
•  approval of regulations on state funds for environ-

mental protection;

•  decisions on the use of natural resources, their limits, 

• 

and quotas for their use;
international cooperation in environmental pro-
tection, including the conclusion of agreements;
•  monitoring of the environment and natural resources;
•  approval of the list of specially protected sites of 

scientific, ecological and biological value;

•  establishment and management of national parks 
and nature parks, plus other areas and objects 
requiring special protection;

•  programmes to maintain environmental balance;
•  state cadastre of rare and endangered species of 

animals and plants.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources

LOCAL

• 

• 

implementation of policies adopted at the central 
level;
local  environmental  programmes,  which  may 
include:
  maintaining the local environmental balance;

⎢25

 
 cleaning and improvement of the municipal area;
  collection, transport and recycling of waste, and 
other measures necessary for tackling related 
issues; 

  protection of water, air and land from all types 

 

of pollution;
 implementation of environmental measures in 
conjunction with neighbouring municipalities;

  other locally significant measures.

Energy

CENTRAL

•  establishment of general rules and standards for 
the generation, transmission, sale, and distribution 
of electricity and heat energy;
issuance of special permits for the generation, trans-
mission, distribution, and sale of electricity and 
heat energy;

• 

•  conclusion of agreements granting the right to 
transport and distribute electricity and heat energy;
•  regulation of prices (tariffs) for electricity and heat 

energy;

•  demonopolisation of activities related to the gen-

• 

eration of electricity and heat energy;
issuance of special permits for the export and import 
of electricity;

•  oversight of the construction of electricity and heat 

facilities;

LOCAL

•  maintenance of energy infrastructure within their 

jurisdictions.

Agriculture

CENTRAL

 Azerbaijan ⎢

LOCAL

• 

implementation of state agricultural policy at the 
local level;

•  development of local agricultural programmes and 

socio-economic planning;

•  coordination of local water management services, 
oversight and maintenance of on-farm irrigation 
infrastructure;

•  management of municipal agricultural infrastruc-

ture projects;

•  adoption of regulatory legal acts for overseeing the 

•  monitoring  and  reporting  on  local  agricultural 

implementation of legislation;

development.

•  establishment of rules for conducting the state 
land cadastre, monitoring, and land management;
•  transfer of state-owned land plots for use and lease, 

and their acquisition for state needs;

•  expropriation of land plots in private ownership;
•  classification of land into categories;
•  establishment of quality rating scores based on the 
designation, geographical location, and quality of 
agricultural land by districts and their respective 
cadastral areas;

•  development and implementation of state pro-

• 

grammes;
implementation of state control over land use and 
land protection in accordance with legislation;
•  resolution of land disputes that are subject to out-

of-court settlement.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan
•  Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the 

Fisheries policy

CENTRAL

Central government is responsible for:

•  drafting and implementing fisheries policies, includ-

ing aquaculture;

•  state oversight of the enhancement, reproduction, 

use and protection of fish stocks;

•  protection of fish habitats;
•  regulating the exploitation of fish stocks;
•  establishing and managing research, processing 
facilities, laboratories, and providing technical assis-
tance to private sector organisations;

•  designing and implementing extension and training 
systems, programmes, and projects for fish farmers 
and fishers;

•  collaborating with private agencies, universities, 
research institutions, and international organisations 
to boost productivity and conserve stocks;

⎢26

•  oversight of compliance with established rules and 

Republic of Azerbaijan

standards.

Responsible ministries/bodies
•  Ministry of Energy

•  Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic 

of Azerbaijan

•  Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan
•  Agrarian Credit and Development Agency

•  promoting and supporting fisheries organisations, 

Responsible ministries/bodies

including associations and cooperatives.

•  Ministry  of  Internal  Affairs  of  the  Republic  of 

Azerbaijan

•  Ministry  of  Foreign  Affairs  of  the  Republic  of 

Azerbaijan

•  The State Migration Service

 Azerbaijan ⎢

LOCAL

• 

implementation of national tourism policies at the 
local level;

•  protection and management of sites recognised as 

tourism resources;

•  stimulation of local development of tourism;
•  promotion of charitable activities in tourism.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan
•  Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources
•  Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan
•  Agrarian Credit and Development Agency

LOCAL

• 

• 

implementation of water protection and pollution 
control in local fisheries;
licensing and enforcement of fishing activities at 
the local level;

•  management of municipal water resources for use 

by fisheries;

•  support for local inspection and habitat conservation;
•  collection of local fisheries fees and fines.

Immigration and asylum

CENTRAL

Central government is responsible for: 

•  adoption of regulatory legal acts for overseeing the 

implementation of legislation;

•  granting of political asylum;
•  adoption of measures to prevent irregular migration;
• 
• 
• 
•  collection and provision of local migration data 

issuance of decisions on temporary stay; 
issuance of permits for temporary residence;
issuance of work permits;

and statistics.

Tourism policy

CENTRAL

Central government is responsible for:

Civil protection

CENTRAL

•  drafting and adoption of regulatory legal acts;
•  promotion of tourism in domestic and international 

•  drafting and adoption of regulatory legal acts;
•  adoption of relevant programmes and plans for the 

markets;

•  protection of the rights and interests of tourists and 

• 

ensuring their safety;
licensing and standard-settings in the tourism indus-
try, and certification of tourism services;

•  direct budget allocations for the development and 
implementation of state programmes for the devel-
opment of tourism;

•  provision  of subsidised  loans,  tax  and  customs 
benefits for tour operators and travel agents, and 
measures to attract foreign tourists to Azerbaijan;
•  support for human resources development in tour-

ism activities;

•  promotion of research in the tourism industry;
•  provision of cartographic materials.

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan
•  Azerbaijan Tourism Board

country and its territorial units;

•  system of civil defence – its structure, composition, 
interrelations between participants, and rules for 
financial and material support;

•  allocation of funds for civil defence from the state 

and local budgets; 

•  establishment of funds for adressing the conse-

quences of emergencies;

•  provision of government oversight and expertise 
in protecting the population and territory from 
emergencies;

•  organisation and delivery of manpower training 

for civil defence;

•  training of the population for protection against 

emergencies in peacetime and wartime;

•  supplying the population with individual and col-

lective protective equipment;

•  maintenance of civil defence facilities;
• 

forecasting and assessment of the consequences 
of emergencies;

⎢27

informing the population about emergencies;

• 
•  stockpiling essential material resources;
•  evacuation of people from emergency sites; 
•  provision of temporary accommodation, assistance 
in restoring and maintaining public order, and rescue 
of animals and plants;

•  provision of social assistance for people affected 

by emergencies;
international cooperation in civil protection.

• 

Responsible ministries/bodies

•  Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic 

of Azerbaijan

•  Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azer-

baijan

•  Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Azerbaijan

LOCAL

•  provision and implementation of the necessary 
civil  defence  measures  in  economic  and  social 
development;

•  financing  arrangements  for  the  protection  of 

employees;

•  establishment of reserves of material and finan-
cial resources for adressing the consequences of 
emergencies;

•  establishment and maintenance of a local warning 

• 

system;
informing employees and residents of adjacent 
areas about emergencies, and evacuation of people 
to safe places;

•  organisation and conduct of primary search-and-res-
cue operations in accordance with the civil defence 
plan;

•  support for state authorities involved in counter-ter-

rorism operations.

 Azerbaijan ⎢

⎢28

 Bibliography

 Armenia

1.1.  Legislation

•  Constitution  of  the  Republic  of  Armenia.  With 
Amendments.  (2015).  https://www.arlis.am/hy/
acts/143723

•  Decision of the Prime Minister of the Republic of 
Armenia on Approval of the Charter of the Ministry 
of Labor and Social Affairs. No.700-L. (2018). https://
www.arlis.am/hy/acts/183328

•  Decision of the Prime Minister of the Republic of 
Armenia on Approval of the Charter of the Minis-
try of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, and 
repealing the decisions No.701-L, No.703-L and 
No.705-L of June 11, 2018. No.661-L. (2019) https://
www.arlis.am/hy/acts/199824 

•  Decision of the Prime Minister of the Republic of 
Armenia on Approval of the Charter of the Ministry 
of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, and 
repealing the decisions No.699-L and No.727-L of 
June 11, 2018. No.659-L. (2019). https://www.arlis.
am/hy/acts/203889

•  Decision of the Prime Minister of the Republic of 
Armenia on Approval of the Charter of the Ministry 
of Economy, and repealing the decisions No.744-L 
and No.742-L of June 11, 2018. No.658-L. (2019). 
https://www.arlis.am/hy/acts/195717/latest

Bibliography ⎢

•  Decision of the Prime Minister of the Republic of 
Armenia on Approval of the Charter of the Ministry 
of Finance. No.743-L. (2018). https://www.arlis.am/
hy/acts/199822/latest

•  Decision of the Prime Minister of the Republic of 
Armenia on Approval of the Charter of the Ministry 
of Health. No.728-L. (2018). https://www.arlis.am/
hy/acts/143475/latest

•  Decision of the Prime Minister of the Republic of 
Armenia on Approval of the Charter of the Ministry 
of Environment. No.745-L. (2018). https://www.arlis.
am/hy/acts/188335

•  Electoral Code of the Republic of Armenia. No.54-N. 

(2016). https://www.arlis.am/hy/acts/166249

•  Law on Administrative-territorial Division. No.18. 

(1995). https://www.arlis.am/hy/acts/206624

•  Law on Aviation. No.81-N. (2007). https://www.arlis.

am/hy/acts/201278

•  Law on Budget System. No.137. (1997). https://www.

arlis.am/hy/acts/203967/latest

•  Law on Civil Protection. No.309. (2002). https://www.

arlis.am/hy/acts/176679

•  Law on Education. No.297. (1999). https://www.arlis.

am/hy/acts/207632

•  Law on Employment. No.152-N. (2013). https://www.

arlis.am/hy/acts/199715

•  Law on Establishing the Procedure for the Formation 

⎢29

 
and Functioning of the Regional Council. No.647-N. 
(2020). https://www.arlis.am/hy/acts/141970

•  Law  on  Local  Duties  and  Fees.  No.185.  (1998).  

https://www.arlis.am/hy/acts/194066

•  Law  on  Local  Self-governance.  No.337.  (2002). 

https://www.arlis.am/hy/acts/208783

•  Law on Motor Transport. No.233-N. (2006). https://

www.arlis.am/hy/acts/196666

•  Law on Organic Agriculture. No.23-N. (2008). https://

www.arlis.am/hy/acts/180744

•  Law on Physical Culture and Sports. No.196. (2001). 

https://www.arlis.am/hy/acts/208194

•  Law on Public Health. No.114-N. (2024). https://

www.arlis.am/hy/acts/191172

•  Law on Refugees and Asylum. No.211-N. (2008). 

https://www.arlis.am/hy/acts/193804

•  Law on Social Assistance. No.414-N. (2024). https://

www.arlis.am/hy/acts/199657

•  Law on Territorial Administration. No.252-N. (2019). 

https://www.arlis.am/hy/acts/203919

•  Law  on  the  Fundamentals  of  Cultural  Legisla-
tion. No.465-N. (2002). https://www.arlis.am/hy/
acts/203251

•  Law on Tourism. No.4-N. (2023). https://www.arlis.

am/hy/acts/188696

•  Law on Transport. No.201. (1998). https://www.arlis.

am/hy/acts/196662

•  Law on Vocational Education and Training. No.250-N. 

(2024). https://www.arlis.am/hy/acts/199594

•  Law on Youth Policy. No.58-N. (2025). https://www.

arlis.am/hy/acts/204846

•  Law on the Structure and Activities of Govern-
ment. No.253-N. (2018). https://www.arlis.am/hy/
acts/143868

•  Tax Code of the Republic of Armenia. No.165-N. 

(2018). https://www.arlis.am/hy/acts/208892

Bibliography ⎢

1.2.  Reports and Strategies

Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, Monitoring of 
the application of the European Charter of Local Self-Gov-
ernment in Armenia, 2020, https://shorturl.at/S8qgh

•  The President of Armenia signed into law a bill on 
the country’s accession process to the European 
Union. https://www.president.am/hy/signed-laws/
item/2025/04/04/President-Vahagn-Khachatury-
an-signed-laws/

1.3.  Websites

•  EU Eastern Partnership. https://www.eeas.europa.

eu/eeas/eastern-partnership_en

•  Migration Service operating under the Ministry 
of Internal Affairs. https://migration.e-gov.am/en/
•  Ministry of Economy. https://www.mineconomy.

am/en

•  Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports. 

https://escs.am/en

•  Ministry of Environment. http://www.env.am/en
•  Ministry of Finance. https://minfin.am/hy
•  Ministry of Health. https://www.moh.am/#1/0
•  Ministry of Internal Affairs. https://mia.gov.am/
•  Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. https://www.

mlsa.am/

•  Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastruc-

ture. https://www.mtad.am/

•  Prime Minister of Republic of Armenia. https://www.

primeminister.am/hy/

1.4.  Publications

•  CoE Treaty list for Armenia. https://www.coe.int/en/
web/conventions/full-list?module=treaties-full-list-sig-
nature&CodePays=ARM

•  The EU and Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced 
Partnership Agreement enters into force. https://
www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/eu-and-armenia-com-
prehensive-and-enhanced-partnership-agree-
ment-enters-force_en

 Azerbaijan

1.1.  Legislation

•  Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan 
on approval of the Regulation and structure of the 
Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 
(2001). https://mia.gov.az/ru/legislation/2/view/18/ 
•  Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan 
on some measures to improve management in the 
field of maritime transport. (2021). https://president.
az/ru/articles/view/53409 

•  Decree of the President of the Republic of Azer-
baijan on the approval of the statute of the Minis-
try of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan. (2006). 
https://e-qanun.az/framework/11696 

•  Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbai-
jan on the approval of “Azerbaijan 2030: National 
Priorities for Socio-Economic Development”. (2021). 
https://e-qanun.az/framework/46813 

•  Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan 
on the approval of the “State Program of Socio-Eco-
nomic Development of the Regions of the Republic 
of Azerbaijan in 2019-2023”. (2019). https://nmali-
yye.gov.az/en/qanunvericilik/f%C9%99rmanlar/
az-rbaycan-respublikasi-regionlarinin-2019-2023-
cu-ill-rd-sosial-iqtisadi-inkisafi-dovl-t-proqrami-nin-
t-sdiq-edilm-si-haqqinda-az-rbaycan-respubli-kasi-
prezi-denti-ni-n-f-rmani? 

⎢30

•  Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan 
on the creation of special economic zones in the 
republic of Azerbaijan. (2007). https://azertag.az/ru/
xeber/ukaz_prezidenta_azerbaidzhanskoi_respub-
liki_o_sozdanii_osobyx_ekonomicheskix_zon_v_
azerbaidzhanskoi_respublike-660653 

•  Decree of the President of Azerbaijan on the new 
division of economic regions in the Republic of Azer-
baijan. (2021). https://e-qanun.az/framework/47788 
•  Decree of the President of the Republic of Azer-
baijan. Regulations on Local Executive Authorities. 
(2012). https://baku-ih.gov.az/en/legislation2.html 
•  Election Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. (2024). 
https://msk.gov.az/uploads/qanunvericilik/Elec-
tion-Code-2024.pdf 

•  Employment Strategy of the Republic of Azerbai-
jan for 2019-2030. (2018). https://webapps.ilo.org/
static/english/emplab/download/nep/azerbaijan/
azerbaijan_national_employment_policy_2018.pdf 
•  European Charter of Local Self-Government. (1985). 

https://rm.coe.int/168007a088 

•  Labour Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. (1999). 
https://www.migration.gov.az/content/pdf/1523b-
3974ff6406184d5e7c5e40ccb4a.pdf 

•  Land Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. (1999). 
https://www.migration.gov.az/content/pdf/f6429fd-
1c7a4b9c1e73efc868a98c3e2.pdf 

•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on administrative 
supervision of activities of municipalities. (2003). 
https://e-qanun.az/framework/2053

•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on amending the 
annex “List of Municipalities in the Republic of Azer-
baijan” to the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On 
the Territories and Lands of Municipalities”. https://
static.president.az/upload/Files/2024/11/25/05b-
ff7710df889f599801797fec4728a_3604673.pdf 

•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on aviation. (2005). 

https://aerohelp.ru/sysfiles/402_8.pdf 

•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on combatting ter-
rorism. (1999). https://e-qanun.az/framework/3855 
•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on culture. (2012). 

https://icherisheher.gov.az/ru/14-legislation/ 

•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on education. 

(2009). https://e-qanun.az/framework/18343 

•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on electric power 
industry. (1998). https://policy.asiapacificenergy.org/
sites/default/files/Law%20No.%20459-IG%20on%20
Electric%20Power%20Industry%20%28RU%29.pdf 
•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on environmental 
protection. (1999). https://natlex.ilo.org/dyn/natlex2/
natlex2/files/download/109615/AZE-109615.pdf 
•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on fishing. (1998). 
https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/aze49751R.pdf 
•  Law  of  the  Republic  of  Azerbaijan  on  health 
protection.  (1997).  https://extranet.who.int/
countryplanningcycles/sites/default/files/plan-
ning_cycle_repository/azerbaijan/aze47737.pdf 
•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on land reform. 

(1996). https://e-qanun.az/framework/4207 

•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on medical insur-
ance.  (1999).  https://sehiyye.gov.az/site/assets/
files/1351/725.pdf 

•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on municipal 
finance. (1999). https://e-qanun.az/framework/5231 
•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on municipal ser-
vice. (1999). https://republic.preslib.az/ru_d4-66.html 
•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on municipal 
taxes and payments. (2001). https://e-qanun.az/
framework/1470 

•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on municipal 
territory and lands. (2001). https://faolex.fao.org/
docs/pdf/aze49755Russian.pdf 

Bibliography ⎢

•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on physical cul-
ture and sports. (2009). https://e-cis.info/coopera-
tion/2915/77130/ 

•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on private medical 
practice. (1999). https://sehiyye.gov.az/site/assets/
files/1352/789.pdf 

•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on road traffic. 
(1998). https://mia.gov.az/?limited/ru/legislation/1/
view/9/ 

•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on social service. 
(2011). https://natlex.ilo.org/dyn/natlex2/natlex2/
files/download/89954/AZE-89954.pdf 

•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the merg-
ing of municipalities. (2000). https://e-qanun.az/
framework/505 

•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the rights of 
the child. (1998). https://sehiyye.gov.az/site/assets/
files/1349/499.pdf 

•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the transfer of 
property into municipal ownership. (1999). https://e-
qanun.az/framework/251 

•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on tourism. (2021). 
https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/aze128991.pdf 
•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on vocational edu-
cation. (2018). https://natlex.ilo.org/dyn/natlex2/
natlex2/files/download/114485/AZE-114485.pdf 
•  Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on youth policy. 

(2002). https://e-qanun.az/framework/1619

•  Law on the status of municipalities of the Republic 
of Azerbaijan. (1999). https://www.venice.coe.int/
webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL 
(2009)163-e 

•  Migration  Code  of  the  Republic  of  Azerbaijan. 
(2013). https://migration.gov.az/content/pdf/5b-
7c07fe101af_mecellerus.pdf 

•  Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan 

⎢31

On the preparation of the “Strategy for the socio-eco-
nomic development of the Republic of Azerbaijan 
for 2027-2030” and the “II State Program of the Great 
Return to the territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan 
liberated from occupation”. (2025). https://president.
az/ru/articles/view/69040  

•  Regulation  on  the  Ministry  of Transport  of  the 
Republic of Azerbaijan. (2003). https://e-qanun.
az/framework/2071 

•  Regulation on local executive authority. (2012). 
https://naftalan-ih.gov.az/ru/zakonodatelstvo.html 
•  Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Repub-
lic of Azerbaijan on the approval of the “Rules for 
the Implementation of Aquaculture”. (2017). https://
faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/aze179783.pdf 

•  Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Repub-
lic of Azerbaijan on the approval of the “Rules for 
Fishing and Harvesting of Other Aquatic Biore-
sources”. (2017). https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/
aze180984.pdf 

•  The Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 
(1995). https://president.az/en/pages/view/azer-
baijan/constitution 

1.2.  Websites

•  Agrarian Credit and Development Agency. https://

aqrarkredit.az/en 

•  CORLEAP. Conference of the Regional and Local 
Authorities of the Eastern Partnership. https://cor.
europa.eu/en/our-work/cooperations-and-net-
works/eastern-partnership-corleap 

•  Embassy  of  the  Republic  of  Azerbaijan  to  the 
Kingdom  of  Belgium  and  the  Grand  Duchy  of 
Luxembourg,  Mission  to  the  European  Union. 
https://brussels.mfa.gov.az/en/category/wel-
come-speech-of-the-ambassador 

•  Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 

https://afsi.gov.az/en 

•  Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 

https://agro.gov.az/az 

•  Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 

https://www.culture.gov.az/az 

•  Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 

https://mod.gov.az/en 

•  Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the 
Republic of Azerbaijan. https://mincom.gov.az/en/
ministry/regulations/2-activity-areas-of-the-ministry 
•  Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. https://

eco.gov.az/az 

•  Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 

https://www.economy.gov.az/en 

•  Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic 
of Azerbaijan. https://fhn.gov.az/en/information 
•  Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 

https://minenergy.gov.az/en/ 

•  Ali Majlis. https://alimajlis.gov.az/en/pages/ali-majlis 
•  Azerbaijan National Association of Municipalities 

•  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azer-

baijan. https://www.mfa.gov.az/en 

(ABMA). https://abma.gov.az/az/ 

•  Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 

•  Azerbaijan Tourism Board. https://tourismboard.az/ 
•  Center for Work with Municipalities. https://justice.

gov.az/idareler/73 

•  Database of Legislation of the Republic of Azerbai-

jan. https://e-qanun.az/ 

https://sehiyye.gov.az/en/ 

•  Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azer-

baijan. https://mia.gov.az/?limited/en/ 

•  Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Popu-
lation of the Republic of Azerbaijan. https://www.

Bibliography ⎢

sosial.gov.az/en/ministry/board-of-the-ministry 
•  Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic 

of Azerbaijan. https://edu.gov.az/en 

•  Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of 

Azerbaijan. https://www.mys.gov.az/az 

•  Parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan. https://

meclis.gov.az/index.php?lang=en 

•  State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads. 

http://www.aayda.gov.az/en 

•  State Migration Service. https://migration.gov.az/en 
•  State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 

https://tourism.gov.az/en 

1.3.  Reports and Strategies

•  Final report on the implementation of the “State 
Program on the Socio-Economic Development of 
the Regions of the Azerbaijan Republic for 2019-
2023”. (2025).  https://economy.gov.az/storage/files/
files/9262/UfBFxAmZflklMrEOldDh8Xo7ZSD1l6P-
bIBP1VF99.pdf 

•  Health Systems in Action. 2024 Edition Azerbaijan. 
https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/380908/ 
9789289059831-eng.pdf?sequence=1

•  Local  and  regional  democracy  in  Azerbaijan. 
(2013). https://rm.coe.int/local-and-regional-de-
mocracy-in-azerbaijan-resolution-recommenda-
tion-m/1680719568 

•  Report of the Agrarian Credit and Development 
Agency. https://akia.gov.az/en/content/9-39.html 
•  Strategic  Vision  and  Roadmap  for  Azerbaijan 
Agriculture. https://monitoring.az/assets/upload/
files/8047fecde10eaf0fd8cb45de716d8267.pdf 

⎢32

1.4.  Publications

•  Aserbaidschan, 26. September 2016 : Zusammen-
setzung der Streitkräfte. (2016). https://www.sudd.
ch/event.php?id=az012016 

•  Local self-government in Azerbaijan: few improve-
ments observed, limited powers and weak finan-
cial position of municipalities must be urgently 
addressed. (2021). https://www.coe.int/en/web/
congress/-/local-self-government-in-azerbai-
jan-few-improvements-observed-limited-pow-
ers-and-weak-financial-position-of-municipali-
ties-must-be-urgently-addressed 

•  Mamedova, M., Hafiz Bashir, H., Abil Nazir, B. and 
Mirali Asad, H. (2002): Local Government in Azer-
baijan. In:

•  Local Government in Eastern Europe, in the Cauca-
sus and Central Asia, Local Government and Public 
Service Initiative.

Bibliography ⎢

⎢33

PDF: 
QG-01-25-084-EN-N                   
ISBN 978-92-895-3925-8    
DOI: 10.2863/6667797

This study on Division of Powers – Multi-level governance 
structures in Armenia and Azerbaijan is part of a series 
of studies presenting the institutional decentralisation 
levels in a number of countries, including the study on 
the Division of powers – Multi-level governance structures 
in the EU enlargement countries which is published  
under ISBN 978-92-895-3682-0.

Created in 1994, the European Committee of the Regions is the EU’s political assembly of 329 regional and local representatives  
such as regional presidents or city-mayors from all 27 Member States, representing over 446 million Europeans.

© European Union, 2025

Edited by Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs of the European Committee of the Regions

Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat 101   |   1040 Bruxelles/Brussel   |   BELGIQUE/BELGIË
Tel. +32 22822211   |   e-mail: visuals@cor.europa.eu   |   www.cor.europa.eu

  @EU–CoR   |   

  /european.committee.of.the.regions   |   

  /european-committee-of-the-regions

Unless otherwise noted, the reuse of this document is authorised under a Creative  
Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence  
(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). This means that reuse is allowed  
provided appropriate credit is given and any changes are indicated.

For any use or reproduction of elements that are not owned by the European Union,  
permission may need to be sought directly from the respective copyright holders. Accordingly, 
you are required to clear additional rights if a specific content includes  
third-party works. Where permission is obtained, such permission shall cancel and replace the 
above-mentioned general permission and shall clearly indicate any restrictions on use.