The European Union will begin a new phase of engagement in the South Caucasus — a new phase, with a transitional team that will lay the groundwork for the deployment of a longer-term EU mission in Armenia. On 19 December, this confirmation was made by the Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, who stressed that the aim of that mission is to ultimately contribute to strengthening trust between the parties.
The EU’s 40-member unarmed mission was deployed in Armenia, on the border with Azerbaijan, at the beginning of October, following the quadrilateral meeting held in Prague. It was announced from the start that it would operate for three months; the term ended on 19 December. Its purpose was to observe, analyse and keep Brussels informed about the situation on the ground.
No report was published on the mission’s work over the past three-month period. The Armenian side, however, highly praised its effectiveness. This was also stated by the European Union’s foreign affairs minister.
“The deployment of European experts was effective and contributed to strengthening trust in an unstable situation,” Borrell stated, adding that on that basis, the European Council, with the consent of the Armenian authorities, decided to deploy a transitional, planned support team from the EU monitoring mission operating in Georgia to Armenia, increasing security-related awareness and contributing to the planning and preparation of a new civilian mission.
Borrell noted that this transitional team is also expected to support European Council President Charles Michel’s process of promoting a settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
