The European Union is deploying a team of experts specialized in countering Russian propaganda and interference to Armenia, as it strengthens support for the former Soviet republic amid heightened political tensions.
Historic EU-Armenia Summit
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. The deepening ties come as Russian influence in the region has waned since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which diverted Moscow's attention from its so-called "near abroad."
Mission to Counter Foreign Interference
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. The EU is establishing a team of 20-30 civilian experts for a two-year mission based in Armenia, aimed at improving responses to Russian cyber-attacks, information manipulation, and illicit financial flows. The mission, which may be expanded in size and duration, is slated to begin after parliamentary elections on June 7.
Rapid Response Team Ahead of Elections
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 maintains its broadly pro-Western trajectory. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated, "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." A senior EU official described the summit as a "critical milestone in our relationship" and "a symbol of Armenia gradually, slowly, geographically reorienting towards the West."
Shifting Alliances
Armenia was long Russia's staunchest ally in the Caucasus, but disillusionment grew 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 country on a different path from Russia's deepening authoritarianism. Even before signing a peace agreement with Azerbaijan, Armenia sought closer ties with the EU. In March, Pashinyan signaled an intention to adopt EU standards, and Armenia's parliament passed a law last year declaring its intention to apply for EU membership.
Russian Pressure
However, Armenia faces heavy pressure from Russia, which remains a significant trading and security partner and maintains a military base in Gyumri. Moscow has imposed restrictions on imports of Armenian mineral water and cognac, reminiscent of past economic leverage. President Vladimir Putin has warned Pashinyan that cheap Russian gas supplies are at risk if Armenia pursues deeper integration with Europe. Last week, MEPs urged the EU to go beyond symbolism. 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."
