EU Proposes Two-Year Extension for Monitoring Mission in Armenia

YEREVAN — The European Union announced on Friday its proposal to extend the monitoring mission along Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan for another two years. Launched in February 2023, the mission aims to prevent or minimize ceasefire violations. Its current two-year mandate is set to expire next month.

“The EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy [Kaja Kallas] has proposed to extend the mission by another two years,” stated Anitta Hipper, the EU foreign policy spokesperson, in comments to RFE/RL’s Armenian Service.

“Member States have welcomed the proposal and are, in line with common practice, currently discussing the necessary legal acts in the competent Council preparatory bodies. The formal [EU] Council decision on the extension is expected in the coming weeks,” Hipper added.

Addressing Azerbaijani claims that the EU mission destabilizes the conflict zone, Hipper noted: “Through its activities, the mission fosters confidence among communities impacted by the conflict. Since its deployment, the number of armed incidents in the areas along the border has decreased considerably. The EU has been informing Azerbaijan regularly about the mission’s activities.”

The EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia (EUMA) began operations on February 20, 2023, under the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP). In January 2024, the EU Council expanded the mission’s size by 50%, increasing its personnel to 209.

EUMA operates from six bases in Kapan, Goris, Jermuk, Yeghegnadzor, Martuni, and Ijevan. Its objectives are to stabilize border areas, enhance trust and security for conflict-affected communities, and support normalization efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan with EU assistance.