The Council of the European Union launched the EU Partnership Mission in Armenia (EUPM Armenia) on 13 July 2026 under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), aiming to help Armenian authorities strengthen national resilience against hybrid threats and evolving security challenges, according to a press release by the Council of the EU. Formally established on 21 April 2026, the advisory civilian mission will address cyber threats, foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), and illicit financial flows. EUPM Armenia was launched at the request of the Armenian government. It reflects a broader EU approach combining short and longer-term support for Armenian national security. The mission will fully respect the country’s ownership and sovereignty.
On 2 December 2025, the EU-Armenia Partnership Council endorsed a new Strategic Agenda for the EU-Armenia Partnership. Building on the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, the agenda deepens cooperation in a wide range of areas, including security and defence. One of its priorities is strengthening cooperation on countering hybrid threats and foreign information manipulation and interference. In a letter dated 12 December 2025, Armenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs invited the Union to deploy a civilian mission under the EU CSDP. EUPM is the second civilian CSDP mission to Armenia, distinct from the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) established in 2023.
The mission will provide strategic advice, technical expertise, and institutional capacity building to various national institutions in Armenia. It will support a horizontal, whole-of-government approach to hybrid challenges. Practical operational advice will be delivered alongside a dedicated project cell tasked with implementing targeted actions under the mandate. Implementation will proceed in close cooperation with international partners. EUPM Armenia is a non-executive mission and will have no role in the decision-making processes of the Armenian authorities.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, emphasized the EU’s commitment to Armenia’s independence.
“Last week, the EU unveiled a major economic and political support package for Armenia to help counter Russian pressure. Today, we deploy a new EU mission on the ground. EU experts will support the Armenian authorities deal with cyber threats and disinformation and countering illicit financial flows. The EU is the biggest champion of a resilient, independent Armenia and the right of the Armenian people to choose their own destiny. We’ll make sure Armenia does not face external coercion alone,” Kallas stated.
Her remarks underscored the EU’s political backing for the initiative.
EUPM Armenia will operate with an initial mandate of two years and will primarily be composed of seconded experts from EU member states. Cosmin George Dinescu was appointed Head of Mission on 11 June 2026. He previously served as the first head of the EU Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova. The mission will help Armenia better prevent, detect, and respond to hybrid threats. It reflects the EU’s firm commitment to support the country’s resilience and democratic institutions.
