Armenian opposition lawmakers have raised concerns over the cost of organizing the COP17 conference in Yerevan, alleging that millions of dollars are being allocated to expenses that authorities have not adequately explained.

Hasmik Yengoyan, a lawmaker from the Strong Armenia parliamentary faction, said around $30 million had been allocated to Meridian Holding, whose building will host the conference. She noted that the initial budgeted amount had been significantly lower, according to Sputnik Armenia.

Her faction colleague, Liana Manukyan, questioned a separate allocation of $52,000 for “unforeseen expenses.” She sarcastically suggested that the money might be used to pay workers responsible for “unloading lanyards for badges.”

Another opposition lawmaker, Lena Matevosyan, said approximately $233,000 could have been saved under a contract worth $825,000.

Matevosyan also claimed that more than $5 million had been allocated to a company called Doping Space to organize the summit. She questioned the company’s reliability, citing its previous failure to organize a concert by rapper Snoop Dogg in Yerevan.

COP17 is scheduled to take place in Yerevan from October 19 to 30, 2026. Organizers have announced that approximately 15,000 guests are expected to attend.