DISINFO: The EU openly abuses relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan through EUMA
SUMMARY
We see how the European Union openly abuses its relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan, including by promoting its so-called mission on the territory of Armenia. This raises serious doubts in terms of legitimacy and raises many questions about its functions, mandate, duration, and added value that the mission can have in efforts to normalise relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
RESPONSE
Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative accusing the EU of misusing its mandate without providing any evidence and attempts to discredit the EU mission in Armenia - EUMA.
Contrary to the claim, the EU has a strong interest in a politically stable and economically prosperous Southern Caucasus, but the regional context is not easy. To cautiously create a base for confidence-building and dialogue in the fresh post-war environment the EU has established a number of programmes (EU4Peace, EU4Dialogue, EU4Culture).
The EU (European Council) agreed to establish a civilian European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The objective of the Mission is to contribute to stability in the border areas of Armenia, build confidence on the ground, and ensure an environment conducive to normalisation efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan supported by the EU.
In response to Armenia’s request, the EUMA will conduct routine patrolling and report on the situation, which will strengthen the EU’s understanding of the situation on the ground. The Mission will also contribute to the mediation efforts in the framework.
The EU mission was created by mutual agreement of all parties, stationed on the territory of Armenia with unarmed monitors. EUMA will observe and report on the security situation along the Armenian side of the international border with Azerbaijan.
See similar disinfo cases in our database: Brussels wants to squeeze Russia out of the Caucasus; Brussels aims to change the security system; the West aims to oust Russia of Transcaucasia; The European Union is lying when they talk about the civilian nature of the EU observation mission in Armenia.