EU forging closer ties with Armenia as it sends experts to help counter Russian interference

The EU is strengthening ties with Armenia by sending a team of 20-30 civilian experts to help counter Russian interference, including propaganda, cyber-attacks, and illicit financial flows. This initiative, part of a two-year mission expected to begin after June 7 parliamentary elections, aims to bolster Armenia's response to foreign influence. The move coincides with the first EU-Armenia summit in Yerevan, where leaders will discuss energy, transport, and economic support. This deepening relationship signifies Armenia's gradual reorientation towards the West, particularly as Russian influence has diminished following the invasion of Ukraine. The EU foreign service has also deployed a hybrid rapid-response team to combat interference before the pivotal June elections.

European leaders convened in Armenia for a summit, signaling Armenia's deepening ties with the EU. Russia, however, expressed irritation at this development, with President Putin highlighting the incompatibility of EU and Eurasian Economic Union membership. Moscow has also taken retaliatory measures, such as banning Armenian mineral water imports. Armenia is experiencing a surge in hybrid threats, including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns, which experts link to its pro-EU stance. The EU has deployed a civilian mission to Armenia to counter these threats, particularly ahead of upcoming elections. These actions are seen as part of a pattern observed in other countries like Moldova and Ukraine.