Armenia: EU launches partnership mission to support the country's resilience against evolving hybrid threats

On 13 July, the EU launched the EU Partnership Mission in Armenia (EUPM Armenia) under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The aim of this advisory civilian mission is to support the Armenian authorities in enhancing the country's resilience against hybrid threats and ability to address evolving security challenges.

Formally established on 21 April 2026, the mission will support Armenia's capacity to address such hybrid challenges, including cyber threats, foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) and illicit financial flows. Specifically, the mission will provide strategic advice, technical expertise and institutional capacity building to various national institutions in Armenia to address such threats, and will support a horizontal, whole-of-government approach.

In addition, the mission will provide practical, operational advice and establish a dedicated project cell to implement targeted actions covered by its mandate, 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 said :

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.

EUPM Armenia was established at the request of the Armenian government and is part of a broader and coherent EU approach, combining short and longer-term support to help strengthen Armenian national security. It reflects the EU's firm commitment to support the country's resilience and democratic institutions. By providing strategic advice, specialised expertise and capacity-building, the mission will help Armenia better prevent, detect and respond to hybrid threats, while fully respecting the country's ownership and sovereignty.

The mission will have 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. Previously, he served as the first head of the EU Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova.

EUPM is the second civilian CSDP mission to Armenia. It is distinct and separate from the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) established in 2023, which is tasked with observing and reporting on the situation on the ground, contributing to confidence building and human security.