It is Armenia’s sovereign right to work on its defence capabilities and to choose its partners - EU Spokesperson

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Commission, Peter Stano, considers the criticism from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev against the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) and the allegations of "militarization" in Armenia to be groundless.

In response to a question from an Armenpress reporter in Brussels, the EU spokesperson expressed regret regarding Aliyev's criticisms and noted that the EU Mission in Armenia is an unarmed, civilian mission deployed to support the EU’s efforts to promote peace in the region.

"It was established at the request of the Armenian authorities, and it operates only on the Armenian side of the internationally recognized bilateral border.

It is an impartial mission with a clearly defined mandate. Since its launch, the Mission has demonstrated its value contributing to ensuring an environment conducive to normalization efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan, supported by the EU. The Mission has had a significant stabilizing impact on the ground including for the local population. Since the deployment of the EUMA, the Azerbaijani authorities have been kept informed about the Mission on a regular basis. The EU will continue to work closely with both sides in pursuit of sustainable peace,'' said Stano.

On alleged militarization of Armenia, its relations with other partners and cooperation on defense issues, including EU’s support via EPF, the EU spokesperson noted that they are not aware about any “militarization” of Armenia.

It is Armenia’s sovereign right to work on its defence capabilities and to choose its partners, including in the areas of security and defence. 

"Similarly, we do not consider Azerbaijan’s intense military cooperation with its partners to impact the peace process, as long as there is political will to proceed towards normalization of relation and achieving durable peace. The EU adopted in July 2024 a package of support of EUR 10 million for Armenia under the European Peace Facility (EPF). This assistance measure aims to improve the protection of civilians in crises and emergencies, by providing a fully-fledged deployable tent camp. 

This will contribute to strengthening of logistical capacities of the Armenian armed forces. It does not include provision of weapons as sometimes wrongly presented by some media or actors. The proposed equipment is non-lethal and non-offensive. The EU maintains close bilateral relationships and mutually beneficial cooperation with both Armenia and Azerbaijan and remains impartial in the ongoing normalization process," he noted. 

Stano reminded the Azerbaijani authorities that the EU has also increased its support to the security and resilience of Azerbaijan.

"The EU and its Member States are by far the first international donor in the area of demining in Azerbaijan, having committed around EUR 13 million since 2020. 

The European Commission recently announced an additional envelope of EUR 10 million euros for 2024-2025. The EU remains fully committed to supporting all efforts for a long-lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan," said the EU spokesperson.