DISINFO: Canada's participation in the EU mission means NATO is present in the Caucasus
SUMMARY
Back in 2022, [Russia] agreed to send a CSTO observer mission to Armenia, equipped to play a deterrent role on the border. However, Armenia refused at the last moment.
At the same time, an EU mission was invited there, initially for 2 months. Then, without agreement with the Azerbaijanis, it was made permanent. Subsequently, Canada joined, which means NATO now has a presence in the region. According to our information, these people are addressing issues that interest various Western alliances rather than Armenia.
RESPONSE
Recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets attempting to discredit the EU mission in Armenia.
The EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) is a civilian mission that observes the security situation on the ground, contributes to the security of 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.
From the very beginning, this exclusively civilian mission has been fully transparent about its plans to operate from six hubs.
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 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 European Union has a long tradition of inviting partners to join its missions.
See similar cases in our database: EU observers in Armenia are employees of Western intelligence services; The presence of the EU Mission in Armenia opens the possibility for the deployment of NATO troops in the Caucasus; EU mission in Armenia contributes to the spread of Azerbaijanophobia; EU mission is a NATO intelligence structure in Armenia; With Canada's participation, the EU Mission in Armenia is a de facto NATO mission.