EUMA reduces likelihood of escalation, says Armenian official

The EU monitoring mission (EUMA) has reduced the likelihood of escalation, Deputy Foreign Minister Paruyr Hovhannisyan has said.

“We want to set security in the region to establish Armenia’s path towards Europe and the EU,” Hovhannisyan said at the 4th Meeting of EU-Armenia Parliamentary Partnership Committee in Yerevan. “The progress we’ve had in our relationship with the EU in the past years shows our commitment to expand our agenda with the EU and have cooperation on various levels.”

Hovhannisyan said Armenia continue efforts to implement the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

He said the new partnership agenda, currently under negotiation, will deepen bilateral relations.

Hovhannisyan said Armenia is grateful for the EU’s extension of the monitoring mission in Armenia. “It brings stability in the border regions with Azerbaijan and reduces the likelihood of escalation,” he said.

Citing the recently adopted EU integration bill, Hovhannisyan said that the people of Armenia want stronger ties with the European family.

He said the EU continues to be a top partner for Armenia in the reforms agenda.

EUMA was launched in 2023 at the request of Armenia. The civilian mission observes and reports on the security situation along the Armenian side of the international border with Azerbaijan. In January 2025 the EU extended the mandate of the EUMA for a further two years.