On January 23, the Council of the European Union (EU) agreed to establish a civilian EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) under the Common Security and Defence Policy. The mission's objective is to contribute to stability in the border areas of Armenia, build confidence on the ground, and ensure a conducive environment for normalization efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan supported by the EU, the statement of the council read. 

“The establishment of an EU Mission in Armenia launches a new phase in the EU’s engagement in the South Caucasus. The EU will continue to support de-escalation efforts and is committed to work closely with both sides towards the ultimate goal of sustainable peace in the region,” the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell highlighted. 

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan commented on the decision on Twitter. "We very much welcome the decision of the EU to send a full-fledged civilian mission to Armenia. We will readily cooperate with the mission and support its activities. This mission will contribute to the peace, stability, and security of the region," he noted.

In response to Armenia’s request, EUMA will conduct routine patrolling and report on the situation, which will deepen the EU's understanding of the situation on the ground. The mission will also contribute to the mediation efforts led by President of the European Council Charles Michel.

EUMA will have an initial mandate of two years, and its Operational Headquarters will be in Armenia. The Civilian Operation Commander will be Stefano Tomat, Managing Director of the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability at the European External Action Service. A Head of Mission leading operations on the ground will be appointed soon.

The EU set up its first monitoring capacity along the Armenian border after the deadly clashes in September that raised fears of a large-scale conflict in the region, which led to high-level four-way mediation talks in Prague earlier in October․ Armenia agreed to facilitate a civilian EU mission alongside the border with Azerbaijan, while Azerbaijan agreed to cooperate with the mission as far as it is concerned, for a maximum period of two months. On October 17, the Foreign Affairs Council decided to set up the EU Monitoring Capacity in Armenia (EUMCAP) by deploying in Armenia up to 40 EU monitoring experts from the EUMM in Georgia.

The mission became fully operational on October 20, 2022. It conducted a total of 176 patrols and, as agreed, concluded its activities on December 19, 2022.

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European Union Launches New Planning Team in Armenia

One Day with EU Monitoring Capacity Mission in Armenia

European Union Concludes Armenia-Azerbaijan Border Monitoring Mission