European Union officials hope to replicate Moldova’s “success story” in Armenia, they said in an interview with Radio Liberty’s Armenian service.
It remains unclear whether a hybrid rapid response team will return to Armenia as elections approach, but in early spring it is expected to present a report outlining Brussels’ next steps toward Yerevan.
This may include a full-fledged EU civilian mission in Armenia to replace the current EU mission (EUMA), established in 2023 to support stability in Armenia’s border areas adjacent to Azerbaijan. However, such a mission would require unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states.
Alongside the hybrid response team, the EU diplomatic corps and the European External Action Service have circulated a more detailed document among member states titled “Policy Framework for a Crisis Approach on Armenia” (PFCA).
The 28-page document, reviewed by the outlet, proposes creating a new Common Security and Defence Policy mission. It states that “developing bilateral relations with Armenia and supporting internal and regional stabilization, particularly by freeing Armenia from polarizing external interference, is in the EU’s vital interest.”
The document identifies Moscow as Brussels’ main rival in Armenia, noting that “Russia has intensified its coercive posture toward Armenia amid Yerevan’s gradual reorientation toward the EU, leveraging Armenia’s deep economic dependence and fragile regional security environment.”
