European Union Mission in Armenia

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Not to be confused with Delegation of the European Union to Armenia.

European Union Mission in Armenia
AbbreviationEUMA
PredecessorEU Planning Assistance Team in Armenia
FormationJanuary 23, 2023; 15 months ago (2023-01-23)
HeadquartersYeghegnadzor (Liaison and Support Office in Yerevan)
Civilian Operations Commander
Stefano Tomat[1]
Head of Mission
Markus Ritter[2]
Parent organization
European Union
Staff
103[3] including 50 unarmed observers[4]
Websitewww.eeas.europa.eu/euma

The European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) is a European Union Common Security and Defence Policy civilian deployment on the territory of the Republic of Armenia.[5][6]

History

The mission was announced on 23 January 2023 to build upon the work of two previous EU deployments in Armenia, the European Union Monitoring Capacity to Armenia (EUMCAP) and the EU Planning Assistance Team in Armenia following the Armenia–Azerbaijan border crisis.[7][8] The mission was formally launched on 20 February 2023.[4] Unlike EUMCAP, which was planned with the approval of Azerbaijan, EUMA went ahead without Azerbaijani approval.[9]

Mandate

The objective of the mission is to contribute to stability in the border areas of Armenia, build confidence on the ground, conduct active patrolling and reporting, and to support normalization efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan led by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.[7][10] EUMA was defined in January 2023 to have an initial mandate of 2 years with the possibility of extension, and its operational headquarters is based within Armenia. It was expected that around 103 EU personnel would be deployed.[3] One of the tasks of the EUMA is to conduct border patrols along the entire length of Armenia's border with Azerbaijan, including along the Nakhchivan exclave.[11]

Contributing states

Since launch, the following countries have contributed personnel:[12][13][14]

Timeline of events

On 27 December 2022, Armenian Foreign Minister, Ararat Mirzoyan wrote to the EU's High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and invited the European Union to deploy a civilian CSDP mission in the country.[15] The mission was subsequently approved by the Council of the European Union on 23 January 2023 with an initial period of deployment of two years.[1][16]

On 23 January 2023, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan met with EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Toivo Klaar and the EU Ambassador to Armenia Andrea Wiktorin to discuss the deployment of EUMA, expanding Armenia–EU cooperation, and issues concerning the blockade of Artsakh.[17]

On 27 January 2023, the first high-level Armenia-EU Political and Security Dialogue meeting took place in Yerevan. Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Vahe Gevorgyan and Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service Enrique Mora discussed increasing political ties and further developing Armenia–European Union relations. The parties discussed issues facing Armenia and security challenges across Europe, the deployment of EUMA, the need to establish a stable and peaceful South Caucasus region, and the process of normalization of Armenia–Turkey relations. Enrique Mora stated, "The first ever Armenia-EU Political and Security Dialogue launched today demonstrates our mutual interest in enhancing cooperation on foreign and security policy issues, and readiness to work together for the benefit of peace, security and stability."[18]

On 30 January 2023, Markus Ritter, an officer of the German Federal Police and former Head of the European Union Advisory Mission in Iraq, was named as the Head of Mission of EUMA. It was also announced that the headquarters of the mission will be in Yeghegnadzor.[19][20] Meanwhile, Stefano Tomat, the EEAS Managing Director of the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC), will serve as the Civilian Operations Commander.[21]

On 9 February 2023, French MEP Nathalie Loiseau confirmed that members of the French National Gendarmerie will be among those deployed to Armenia as part of the EU mission. Loiseau stated, "the mission will start on February 20, and I will be in Armenia on that day. I welcome Armenia's support and cooperation with the mission. The mission will be our eyes and ears on the ground, and its presence should deter new attacks."[22]

On 17 March 2023, during a meeting of the Standing Committee on European Integration, Armenian deputy foreign minister Paruyr Hovhannisyan stated that relations between Armenia and EU member states have been increasing over the past year and are more dynamic. The minister applauded the efforts of the EU Mission and stated that the EU has significantly contributed to the security and stabilization of the region.[23]

On 4 May 2023, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated, "Armenia is interested in deepening cooperation with the European Union" and that the EU mission would help "maintain international attention towards our region."[24]

Reactions

Positive

  • Armenia Armenia: Armenian Foreign Minister, Ararat Mirzoyan stated, "We very much welcome the EU's decision to send a fully-fledged civilian mission to Armenia. We will readily cooperate with the mission and support its activities."[25][26] Deputy Foreign Minister, Paruyr Hovhannisyan, said that the mission provides a "psychological element for the population to feel safer" in the affected border communities.[9]
  • France France: French Foreign Minister, Catherine Colonna stated that France would be happy to participate in the new mission.[28]
  • Germany Germany: German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that the EU mission will help ensure stability and trust in the region and said that Germany would cooperate with local experts to ensure peace and security in the area.[29]
  • Iran Iran: The ambassador of Iran to Armenia confirmed that Iran does not oppose the activities of the EU mission along the Armenia–Azerbaijan border.[30]
  • Luxembourg Luxembourg: Foreign Minister of Luxembourg Jean Asselborn reaffirmed Luxembourg's support to the EU mission and the OSCE Minsk Group's efforts towards a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.[31]
  • NATO NATO: On 18 January 2023, the NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, Javier Colomina Píriz, met with Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan. The sides discussed increasing Armenia–NATO cooperation and other regional issues. Special Representative Píriz expressed support for the EU Mission in Armenia.[32]
  • Netherlands The Netherlands: The government of The Netherlands expressed support for the activities of the EU mission in Armenia and will explore options to facilitate the mission.[33]
  • Slovenia Slovenia: President of the National Assembly of Slovenia, Urška Klakočar Zupančič, stated "We welcome the European Union's sustained presence in the region and express our support for the deployment of a new EU Civilian Mission in Armenia. We believe that this mission will contribute to the security of the population, foster regional stability, and build trust among the parties involved."[34]
  • United States United States: On 3 March 2023, the United States ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien met with the Head of the European Union Mission in Armenia, Markus Ritter. Ambassador Kvien confirmed that the United States strongly supports the EU Mission in Armenia.[35][36]

Negative

  • Azerbaijan Azerbaijan: On 24 January 2023, the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan issued a statement criticizing the mission and adding that it believed that the previous mission agreed at the European Political Community summit in Prague in October 2022 was biased in favour of Armenia.[37] Referring to the EU monitoring mission, President Aliyev said, "Whatever will happen there, the border will be where we say it should be. They [the Armenians] know that we can do it. No one will help them, not the retired French policemen from Europe, not others, not anyone else."[38] Azerbaijani media have sought to include anti-Iranianism in narratives about EUMA.[9]
  • Russia Russia: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed the EU mission as "counterproductive", arguing that it "could create additional tensions".[39] Lavrov also said that the CSTO was prepared to send a monitoring mission to Armenia, but that the Armenian authorities had opted to cooperate with the EU instead.[40] On 9 February 2023, Russian ambassador to Azerbaijan stated, "the actions of the European Union are aimed at ousting Russia from the process of normalization of Azerbaijani-Armenian relations" and " in this matter, the European Union looks like a direct appendage of the United States and NATO, which consider the CIS space as a zone of opposition to Russia and are actually trying to bring a geopolitical component here."[41]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "EU establishes civilian mission in Armenia to contribute to stability in border areas with initial mandate of 2 years". armenpress.am.
  2. ^ "Dr. Markus Ritter,Head of Mission of the European Union Mission in Armenia | EEAS Website". www.eeas.europa.eu.
  3. ^ a b "EU authorises another monitoring mission to Armenia-Azerbaijan border". www.intellinews.com. 24 January 2023.
  4. ^ a b "Armenia: EU launches a civilian mission to contribute to stability in border areas". www.consilium.europa.eu.
  5. ^ "EU greenlights Armenia mission to ease border tensions". AP NEWS. 23 January 2023.
  6. ^ "EU establishes civilian mission in Armenia to contribute to stability in border areas".
  7. ^ a b "Armenia: EU establishes a civilian mission to contribute to stability in border areas". www.consilium.europa.eu.
  8. ^ EU Council Press [@EUCouncilPress] (23 January 2023). ".@EUCouncil has established a civilian #CSDP mission in 🇦🇲 #Armenia to enhance EU awareness and contribute to stability on AM side of AM-AZ border https://t.co/NuEM4M5Rpw" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 10 February 2023 – via Twitter.
  9. ^ a b c "Treading a Tightrope on the Armenian Border: Reviewing the First Two Months of the EU’s New Mission in the South Caucasus". Caucasus Watch. 25 April 2023. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  10. ^ "EU Will Deploy 2-Year Mission to Armenia Border – Asbarez.com".
  11. ^ "About European Union Mission in Armenia | EEAS Website". www.eeas.europa.eu. Archived from the original on 23 April 2023.
  12. ^ James, Onnik (20 February 2023). "European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) starts operations on border with Azerbaijan".
  13. ^ "Poland plans to expand involvement of observers in Armenia EU missionn". 5 April 2023.
  14. ^ "Estonian experts join European Union civilian missions in Armenia and Moldova". 6 June 2023.
  15. ^ a b "EU mission to "contribute to the peace, stability and security of the region" – FM Mirzoyan welcomes EU decision". armenpress.am.
  16. ^ "European Union greenlights Armenia mission to ease border tensions". thestar.com. 23 January 2023.
  17. ^ "Armenian PM, EU envoy discuss deployment of new civilian mission".
  18. ^ "Armenia and the European Union hold first Political and Security Dialogue". armenpress.am.
  19. ^ Zentrum für Internationale Friedenseinsätze (ZIF) [@ZIF_Berlin] (30 January 2023). "Neue #EU-Mission in #Armenien unter 🇩🇪 Leitung! Wir gratulieren Dr. Markus Ritter, Leiter der Bundespolizeidirektion Stuttgart und einer unserer langjährigen Partner, zu seiner Ernennung zum Head of Mission (HoM) der neuen @eu_eeas-Mission #EUMA. Viel Kraft und Erfolg! https://t.co/oT5lDmGr43" [New #EU mission in #Armenia under 🇩🇪 leadership! We congratulate Dr. Markus Ritter, Head of the Federal Police Headquarters in Stuttgart and one of our long-standing partners, on his appointment as Head of Mission (HoM) of the new @eu_eeas mission #EUMA. Much strength and success!] (Tweet) (in German). Retrieved 10 February 2023 – via Twitter.
  20. ^ Krikorian, Onnik [@onewmphoto] (26 January 2023). ""@EURACTIV [says] Dr Markus Ritter, head of the German Federal Police Headquarters in Stuttgart and former Head of the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) in Iraq, looks set to be the Head of Mission for the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) due to start next month."" (Tweet). Retrieved 10 February 2023 – via Twitter.
  21. ^ "EU Establishes 2-Year Civilian Mission at Armenia-Azerbaijan Border". schengenvisainfo.com.
  22. ^ "New EU mission to Armenia to include 8 French gendarmes – MEP". panarmenian.net.
  23. ^ "Armenia deputy FM lauds EU monitoring mission role". news.am.
  24. ^ "It was not an easy decision to invite the EU monitoring mission to Armenia. Pashinyan". armenpress.am.
  25. ^ Mirzoyan, Ararat [@AraratMirzoyan] (23 January 2023). "We very much welcome the #EU's decision to send a fully-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. https://t.co/SEyf2WHL4Q" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 24 January 2023. Retrieved 10 February 2023 – via Twitter.
  26. ^ "FM Mirzoyan welcomes EU's decision to send fully-fledged civilian mission to Armenia".
  27. ^ Fontelles, Josep Borrell [@JosepBorrellF] (23 January 2023). "We establish today a civilian EU Mission in Armenia #EUMA, to contribute to stability, build confidence & ensure an environment conducive to normalisation efforts between Armenia & Azerbaijan. It launches a new phase in our South Caucasus engagement, towards sustainable peace. https://t.co/dS50l1UQ0P https://t.co/lLJFN04pee" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 31 January 2023. Retrieved 10 February 2023 – via Twitter.
  28. ^ "France will be happy to participate in the European mission in Armenia. Minister of Foreign Affairs". armenpress.am.
  29. ^ "Germany Urges 'Immediate' End To Karabakh Blockade". barrons.com.
  30. ^ "Iran is not against the deployment of the EU mission on the RA-Azerbaijan border, Iran's Ambassador to Armenia". 1lurer.am.
  31. ^ "Luxembourg to support relief for Nagorno Karabakh if EU initiates it, says FM Asselborn". armenpress.am.
  32. ^ "NATO Special Representative Meets Mirzoyan and Pashinyan in Yerevan". caucasuswatch.de. 19 January 2023.
  33. ^ "Dutch Foreign Ministry: Lachin corridor blocked by self-proclaimed eco-activists". news.am.
  34. ^ "Slovenia closely monitoring the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, Parliament Speaker says". armradio.am.
  35. ^ "The US ambassador and the head of the EU mission discussed the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border". radar.am.
  36. ^ "Embassy: US strongly supports EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia". news.am.
  37. ^ "Azerbaijan criticizes EU's decision to establish mission in Armenia". mediamax.am.
  38. ^ "Aliyev offers 'amnesty' to Stepanakert authorities if they dissolve government and parliament". OC Media. 29 May 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
  39. ^ "EU approves 2-year monitoring mission to Armenia–Azerbaijan border". Oc Media. 23 January 2023.
  40. ^ "Lavrov Says CSTO Ready to Send Monitoring Mission to Armenia Border – Asbarez.com".
  41. ^ "Russia keeps on criticizing decision to deploy EU mission in Armenia". mediamax.am.

External links

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