The European Union Mission in Armenia began its work under a new mandate, which was extended to 2027 last month.
“On the first day of EUMA’s new mandate we are proud to confirm that EUMA will stay committed to the peace and stability in the region and continue patrolling on the Armenian side of Armenia-Azerbaijan border,” a statement on X said on Wednesday.
The European Council on January 30 adopted a decision to extend the mission’s mandate for another two years until February 19, 2027.
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 mission, headed by Dr. Markus Ritter, comprises more than 200 personnel including international and local staff. EUMA observers and civilian experts come from 25 EU member states and the third contributing state, Canada. The mission was launched by the decision of the Council on 20 February 2023, when it also started its operational activities.
In an interview with Armenpress published on Wednesday, Ritter addressed the extension of the mission’s mandate, its future activities, the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and the accusations leveled against the EU mission by Azerbaijan. Ritter also noted that since the beginning of the mission’s activities on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border in February 2023, border incidents between the two countries have significantly decreased.
“It is obvious that since we in Armenia on February 23, 2023, the number of incidents along the border and the Line of Control between Azerbaijan and Armenia has significantly decreased,” Ritter told Armenpress.
“I am sure that it is also an impact we have, our patrolling along the border, and our presence that helps decrease incidents. It is not only us, but also the political environment, the talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia that help decrease incidents. I am confident that with our presence, we support this general process,” he added.
