The Council of the European Union has launched the EU Partnership Mission in Armenia (EUPM Armenia) under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), aiming to support Armenian authorities in enhancing the country's resilience against hybrid threats. The mission, formally established on 21 April 2026, will provide strategic advice, technical expertise, and institutional capacity building to address challenges including cyber threats, foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), and illicit financial flows. It will also establish a project cell to implement targeted actions in cooperation with international partners, while remaining a non-executive mission with no role in Armenian decision-making.
High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stated that the deployment follows a major economic and political support package for Armenia unveiled last week, emphasizing that EU experts will help Armenia deal with cyber threats, disinformation, and illicit financial flows. The mission was established at the request of the Armenian government, following a letter from Armenia's Foreign Minister on 12 December 2025, and builds on the EU-Armenia Strategic Agenda endorsed on 2 December 2025, which prioritizes cooperation on countering hybrid threats. EUPM Armenia is distinct from the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) established in 2023, which focuses on observation and confidence building.
The mission will have an initial mandate of two years and will primarily consist of seconded experts from EU member states. Cosmin George Dinescu, previously head of the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova, was appointed Head of Mission on 11 June 2026. The launch reflects a broader EU approach combining short- and long-term support to strengthen Armenian national security and democratic institutions, while respecting the country's ownership and sovereignty.