The European Union is dispatching a team of specialists in countering Russian propaganda and interference to Armenia, intensifying support for the former Soviet republic during a tense political period. In a highly symbolic sequence of events, EU leaders will hold their first summit with Armenia on Tuesday, following a pan-European gathering of about 45 leaders at the European Political Community summit in Yerevan.
Deepening EU-Armenia Ties
The EU has been strengthening links with Armenia as Russian influence has waned since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which diverted Moscow's attention from its perceived "near abroad." On Tuesday, Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa are expected to formally endorse the concept of an EU mission to counter foreign interference in Armenia. The summit will also address energy, transport, and economic support.
Mission Details
The EU is establishing a team of 20 to 30 civilian experts for a two-year mission based in Armenia, aimed at improving the response to Russian cyber-attacks, information manipulation, and interference, as well as countering illicit financial flows. The mission, which could be expanded in size and duration, is expected to commence after parliamentary elections on 7 June.
Separately, the EU's foreign service has announced "a hybrid rapid-response team" with the short-term goal of combating foreign interference before the elections, which are seen as pivotal in determining whether Armenia continues on a broadly pro-Western path. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated last month: "Armenians are facing massive disinformation campaigns and cyber-attacks. When Armenians go to the polls in June, they alone should choose their country's future."
Symbolic Shift
A senior EU official described the EU-Armenia summit as "a critical milestone in our relationship" and "a symbol of Armenia gradually, slowly, geographically reorienting towards the West." The EU is working to improve transport links and the green transition in Armenia and has initiated talks that could eventually allow Armenians visa-free travel to the bloc for short stays.
Armenia was long Russia's staunchest ally in the Caucasus, but disillusionment set in after Moscow failed to provide military aid during the 2020 and 2023 Nagorno-Karabakh wars. Armenia's 2018 velvet revolution, which emphasized democracy and the rule of law, also set the former Soviet republic on a different path from Russia, which has slid deeper into authoritarianism.
Pressure from Russia
Even before signing a peace agreement with Azerbaijan, Armenia had been seeking closer ties with the EU. Speaking to the European Parliament in March, Pashinyan signaled an intention to adopt EU standards, while Armenia's parliament passed a law last year declaring its intention to apply for EU membership. However, Armenia is under heavy pressure from Russia, which remains a significant trading and security partner and maintains a base in the city of Gyumri. Moscow has imposed restrictions on the sale of imported Armenian mineral water and cognac, reminiscent of similar attempts to use economic leverage over its neighbors. Vladimir Putin has also warned Pashinyan that cheap Russian gas supplies are at risk if Armenia pursues deeper integration with Europe.
Calls for Robust Support
MEPs last week urged the EU to go beyond symbolism in Armenia. In a non-binding resolution, the European Parliament called for a robust international election observation mission, cybersecurity for electoral infrastructure, and strong safeguards against vote buying. French centrist MEP Nathalie Loiseau, involved in drafting the text, said: "Faced with all those seeking to pressure Armenian voters, the country is looking to the European Union to help it hold free and fair elections."
