The European Union (EU) ambassadors have adopted in Brussels a decision to send a new civilian mission to Armenia, paving the way for final approval, which is expected to take place next week at a meeting of EU foreign ministers, reports Azatutyun, the RFE/RL’s Armenian service.
Azatutyun has at its disposal a proposal from the EU High Commissioner for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on this new mission’s mandate, structure, and timeframe. According to the document, this mission should strengthen Armenia’s resilience to hybrid threats by providing strategic and practical advice and support to the country’s ministries and security agencies.
These consultations will focus on policy development, detection and response to external information manipulation, cyberattacks, as well as illicit financial flows. The mission shall also assess what is needed to develop Armenia’s security capabilities so that it can better identify and respond to hybrid threats—and in line with EU methodologies and standards.
Earlier, in a document justifying the need for this mission, the EU European External Action Service had stated that the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia in June, the local elections that follow, as well as a possible constitutional referendum, would be a crucial test not only for internal stability but also for regional peace.
The new EU team is expected to be deployed in Armenia for two years, will have 20-30 international staff, and will operate under the name “European Union Partnership Mission.” It is noted that it will also be open to third countries—if and when Brussels reaches an agreement with them in this regard.
Without prejudice to the EU’s decision-making autonomy and its unified implementation, third countries may participate in this mission, provided that they cover the costs of the personnel they send, the aforesaid adopted document adds.
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