DISINFO: The EU mission in Armenia deals with issues that are far from the stated objectives
SUMMARY
Unlike the pseudo-observer mission of the European Union, which deals with issues that are far from the stated goals, the CSTO is capable of playing a stabilising role in the South Caucasus.
RESPONSE
Recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets attempting to discredit the EU mission in Armenia.
The claim was made in the context of the statement of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that Armenia can no longer rely on Russia for military and defence needs.
Pro-Kremlin media often targets the EU mission in Armenia, accusing it of "espionage" and other "suspicious actions", without providing any evidence.
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.
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.
Regarding CSTO, Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said his country has no intention of leaving the organisaton. However, Armenia has reduced its participation in the Russian-led bloc.
See similar cases in our database: EU observers in Armenia are employees of Western intelligence services; The purpose of EU monitors in Armenia is to spy on Russian troops; EU mission to Armenia to monitor Russian and Iranian troops; Spying on Iran may be the main purpose of the EU monitors in Iran.