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European Union to Deploy Second Civilian Mission to Armenia Ahead of Elections, Aimed at Countering Russia’s “Destabilizing Activities” 🇪🇺🇦🇲 ➖➖➖ The European Union is set to deploy a second civilian mission to Armenia tasked with countering hybrid threats, with the effort “aimed clearly at reducing and mitigating Russia’s destabilizing activities,” according to a document obtained by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Armenia. The new mission was approved by EU member states’ ambassadors in Brussels, with final endorsement expected next week at the EU Foreign Affairs Council, and is set to operate alongside the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA). The proposal outlines that the mission will provide strategic and practical support to government ministries and security sector agencies. Its focus will include policy development, countering foreign information manipulation, responding to cyberattacks, and addressing illicit financial flows in the electoral and political context. The mission is also expected to assess Armenia’s needs in developing security sector capabilities so the country can better monitor, identify, attribute, and respond to hybrid threats in line with EU methodologies and standards. The mission is expected to be deployed for two years, with 20 to 30 international staff on the ground, operating under the name “European Union Partnership Mission.” It may also include participation from third countries, provided they cover the costs of their deployed personnel. The move follows the EU’s earlier decision to deploy a hybrid rapid response team to Armenia ahead of the June 7 parliamentary elections. A separate European External Action Service document justifying the need for the new mission notes that upcoming political events in Armenia, including parliamentary elections scheduled for June, followed by local elections and a possible constitutional referendum, will be a key test for internal stability and regional security. It also highlights broader regional risks, including tensions involving Iran and Russia. According to the proposal, Armenia’s border with Iran is strategically important for trade and transport, while regional instability could increase risks such as migration flows, organized crime, and economic pressure. This would become the second EU mission in Armenia, following the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA). EUMA was launched in February 2023 following a request from the Armenian authorities for an EU civilian presence on the ground. It is tasked with observing and reporting on the security situation on the ground, contributing to human security in conflict-affected areas, and supporting confidence-building between Armenia and Azerbaijan where possible. The Council of the European Union extended EUMA’s mandate in January 2025 for an additional two years, running until February 2027. The mission now includes up to 225 personnel, including international and local staff from EU member states and Canada.

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