European observers will continue their presence in Armenia’s border regions for an additional two years, until February 19, 2027. Earlier today, ambassadors of EU member states in Brussels approved the extension of the EU civilian mission in Armenia (EUMA), reports Azatutyun.
The proposal for the extension was recently put forward by the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas. A spokeswoman for Kallas stated on January 10 that the member states have welcomed the initiative. However, the decision still requires formal approval from the EU Foreign Ministers.
The mission’s mandate, initially established two years ago, remains unchanged. Its primary objectives are to reduce incidents in Armenia’s border and conflict-affected regions, enhance security for local populations, and support the normalization of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations. EUMA is tasked with observing and reporting on the situation on the ground, contributing to human security in conflict-affected areas, and fostering confidence-building between Armenia and Azerbaijan, where possible. It serves as a crucial element of the EU’s broader efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
EUMA operates along the entire length of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, including the Nakhichevan section. The mission was launched on February 20, 2023, by a decision of the EU Foreign Affairs Council and began operational activities the same day. Its headquarters is in Yeghegnadzor, with six Forward Operating Bases in Yeghegnadzor, Jermuk, Martuni, Kapan, Goris, and Ijevan, as well as a liaison office in Yerevan.
The structure of the mission will remain the same, consisting of 165 international observers and 44 Armenian staff members. However, the mission itself acknowledges that its available resources are insufficient for real-time monitoring of all border incidents. Observers primarily visit specific sites following incidents and compile reports based on open-source information and testimonies from reliable witnesses.
Despite being an unarmed mission, EUMA’s presence in Armenia has been strongly opposed by Azerbaijan and Russia. Azerbaijan has repeatedly accused the EU monitors of spying on its troops and destabilizing the situation. On December 12, a senior Azerbaijani official demanded their withdrawal, and Baku has attempted to block their continued deployment through provisions in a draft peace treaty with Yerevan.
The EU has denied these accusations, asserting that the number of armed incidents along the border has decreased since the mission’s launch. The Armenian government has also praised the monitors’ record, though it has not publicly clarified whether it requested the extension. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has previously stated that the EU monitors should remain in place except in sections of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border that have been demarcated. To date, only a small portion of the border has been officially delimited.
Armenia had initially requested the EU mission after accusing Russia and other ex-Soviet allies of failing to defend its borders against Azerbaijani attacks in 2022. Moscow, in turn, has criticized EUMA’s presence, claiming it is part of broader Western efforts to diminish Russia’s influence in the South Caucasus.
