DISINFO: The US wants to bring NATO forces into the Caucasus through the EU mission
SUMMARY
The United States, through the EU mission, is attracting NATO forces to the South Caucasus. The issue of Ottawa joining the EU mission has already moved to a practical level. The other day a so-called expert from Canada arrived in Armenia. The point is that in this situation, the US’s junior partner, the European Union, is being used by Washington to drag NATO forces into the region.
It is obvious that on the other side of the Atlantic, they want not only to expand the ability to control the situation on the ground but also to keep an eye on their European allies.
RESPONSE
Recurring disinformation narrative by pro-Kremlin outlets attempting to discredit the EU mission in Armenia linking it with NATO. The article also promotes a recurring narrative about an alleged lost sovereignty of the EU and its member states (more examples). Pro-Kremlin outlets often portray European states as vassals, puppet states , or colonies of the US and 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.
From the very beginning, this exclusively civilian mission has been fully transparent about its plans to operate from six hubs. It has no links to NATO or troops from its member countries. From the moment of its launch, EUMA was a target for disinformation as discussed in our analysis The wrong the wicked and the wacky. Claims about the EU mission in Armenia.
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.
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.
Canada is following the situation on the ground in Armenia very closely 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. The EU has a long tradition of inviting relevant partners to join its missions.
For now, the US not planning to take part in the EU civilian mission, as stated by an EUMA spokesperson and the US Ambassador to Armenia.
Finally, the European Union is a sovereign entity, created by the voluntary initiative of European nations, and it has its own, independent foreign policy. Its citizens are directly represented in the European Parliament and Member States are represented in the European Council and the Council of the EU.
Although the US is not part of these institutions and has no say in its decisions, the US is an important long-term partner of the EU.
See similar cases in our database: EU mission is a NATO intelligence structure in Armenia; The presence of the EU Mission in Armenia opens the possibility for the deployment of NATO troops in the Caucasus; NATO and its vassals want to destabilise, Balkanise and annihilate Russia; NATO’s main goal has always been the destruction of Russia.