EU approves extension of monitors mission in Armenia till 2027

The Council today adopted a decision extending the mandate of the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) for a further two years, until 19 February 2027.

The Council of the Europenian Union also approved the  allocation of over €44 million for EUMA for the period from 20 February 2025 until 19 February 2027.

According to the statement,  the mandated tasks of the mission remain unchanged – EUMA is and will remain an unarmed civilian mission. "The mission is tasked with observing and reporting on the situation on the ground, contributing to human security in conflict-affected areas and supporting the confidence building between Armenia and Azerbaijan, where possible,"- the statement reads.

The mission, headed by Dr. Markus Ritter, comprises over 200 personnel including international and local staff. EUMA observers and civilian experts come from 25 EU member states and the third contributing state, Canada.  

However, the extension has sparked criticism from both Moscow and Baku. Moscow previously accused the EU monitors of espionage and destabilizing the region under the guise of the observation mission. Meanwhile, Baku has called for the withdrawal of EU observers, labeling the deployment of monitors from third countries as a "factor of concern."

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