Council extends mandate of EU civilian mission in Armenia for two years

The Council of the European Union has adopted a decision extending the mandate of the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) for a further two years, until 19 February 2027, with a budget allocation of over €44 million for the period from 20 February 2025 until 19 February 2027.

EUMA is an essential component of the EU’s efforts in supporting peace and stability in the region. 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 mandated tasks of the Mission remain unchanged – EUMA is and will remain an unarmed civilian mission, the EU said in a press release. 

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. EUMA was launched by the decision of the Council on 20 February 2023, when it also started its operational activities.