DISINFO: One of the long-term goals of the EU mission in Armenia is to turn into a military presence
SUMMARY
Obviously, one of the mission's long-term goals is to gradually turn into a military presence. This will have serious consequences for Armenia. And the inclusion of observers from non-EU countries in the mission proves that in fact this is a NATO delegation. By expanding and strengthening the mission, the West is strengthening its position to replace the Russian military presence.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative attempting to distort the true mission of the EU observers, to discredit the EU mission in Armenia linking it with NATO.
The EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) is a civilian mission that observes and reports on the security situation on the ground, contributes to the security of the people in conflict-affected areas in Armenia, and builds confidence on the ground.
Through its presence, EUMA also contributes to ensuring an environment conducive to the normalisation efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan supported by the EU. It has no links to NATO or troops from its member countries.
The mission was launched in Armenia in response to a request by Armenia. EUMA conducts routine patrolling and reports on the situation, which strengthens the EU’s understanding of the situation on the ground. From the very beginning, this exclusively civilian mission has been fully transparent about its plans to operate from six hubs.
The decision to deploy the EU monitors on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan was made after the September 2022 escalation. The EU has called for and helped a normalisation process. The EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) represents a new phase in the EU’s engagement in the South Caucasus.
Canada is one of the EU’s official Strategic Partners. The Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) between Canada and the EU provides for regular bilateral dialogues in areas such as security and defence, development, etc. Partner countries participation has been a part of EU civilian CSDP for some time already.
Canada is following the situation on the ground in Armenia and is committed to working with allies to help uphold peace and stability in the region. Canada has been accepted by the EU as a third-party contributor to the mission.
See our article examining pro-Kremlin claims during the first year of EUMA.
See other similar cases: The EU mission in Armenia is turning into a NATO mission; With Canada's participation, the EU Mission in Armenia is a de facto NATO mission; The presence of the EU Mission in Armenia opens the possibility for the deployment of NATO troops in the Caucasus; Armenia stationed mercenaries under the auspices of the EU mission; EU mission is a NATO intelligence structure in Armenia;