EU forging closer ties with Armenia as it sends experts to help counter Russian interference | Armenia
The EU is sending a team of experts specialized in combating Russian propaganda and interference to Armenia as it steps up support for the former Soviet republic during a tense political period.
In a highly symbolic turn of events, EU leaders will hold their first summit with Armenia on Tuesday, following a pan-European meeting of around 45 leaders at the European Political Community summit in Yerevan.
The EU is deepening its ties with Armenia as Russia’s influence has diminished since the all-out invasion of Ukraine, which is thought to have turned Moscow’s attention to other countries it sees as “near abroad”.
On Tuesday, Armenian prime minister Nikol Pashinyan and EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa are expected to officially welcome the concept of an EU mission to counter foreign intervention in Armenia at a summit in Yerevan, where they will also discuss energy, transport and economic support.
The EU is establishing a team of 20-30 civilian experts for a two-year mission based in Armenia, aimed at improving the response to Russian cyber attacks, information manipulation and interference, as well as countering illicit financial flows. The mission, whose number of personnel and duration may be increased, is expected to take office after the parliamentary elections on June 7.
Separately, the EU’s foreign services announced a “hybrid rapid response team” with a short-term goal to combat foreign interference ahead of these elections, which are seen as crucial in determining whether Armenia will remain on a broadly pro-Western path.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said last month: “Armenians face massive disinformation campaigns and cyber attacks. Armenians must choose the future of their country alone when they go to the polls in June.”
A senior EU official described the EU-Armenia summit as “a critical turning point in our relations” and “a symbol of Armenia’s gradual, geographical orientation towards the west”. The EU is trying to improve transport links and a green pass in Armenia and has begun talks that could eventually allow Armenians to travel to the bloc visa-free for short stays.
Armenia has long been Russia’s staunchest ally in the Caucasus, but there was disappointment after Moscow failed to send military aid during the 2020 and 2023 Nagorno-Karabakh wars. Armenia’s 2018 velvet revolution, which emphasized democracy and the rule of law, also set the former Soviet republic on a different path from Russia, which has slid further toward authoritarianism.
Even before signing a peace agreement with Azerbaijan, Armenia was looking for ways to get closer to the EU. Speaking at the European parliament in March, Pashinyan signaled his intention to adopt EU standards, while the Armenian parliament last year passed a law announcing its intention to apply for EU membership.
However, Armenia is still under heavy pressure from Russia, which is an important trade and security partner and has a base in the city of Gyumri. Moscow’s imposition of restrictions on the sale of imported Armenian mineral water and cognac is reminiscent of similar attempts to use economic pressure on its neighbors. Vladimir Putin also warned Pashinyan: Cheap Russian gas resources are in danger If Armenia pursues deeper integration with Europe.
Members of the European Parliament last week called on the EU to move beyond the symbolism of the events in Armenia. In a non-binding resolution, the European Parliament called for a strong international election observation mission, cybersecurity for election infrastructure and strong measures against vote buying.
French centrist MP Nathalie Loiseau, who was involved in drafting the text, said: “Faced with those trying to pressure Armenian voters, the country is looking to the European Union to help ensure free and fair elections.”
