EU launches new mission against hybrid threats in Armenia

The European Union officially launched on Monday a new civilian mission in Armenia focused on strengthening the country’s ability to respond to hybrid threats, including cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, foreign interference and illicit financial flows.

The EU Partnership Mission in Armenia (EUPM Armenia), first established by the European Council on April 21, began its operational work today following the completion of preparations and approvals from EU foreign ministers. These developments follow Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan's invitation in December 2025 for the EU to deploy a civilian Common Security and Defence Policy mission in the country, based on the EU-Armenia strategic partnership agreed to earlier that month. 

According to a press release from the European Council, the mission will provide strategic advice, technical expertise and institutional support to Armenian state institutions as they develop tools to identify and respond to emerging security challenges. 

The EU said EUPM Armenia’s role is to strengthen Armenia’s own institutional capacity while respecting the country’s sovereignty and ownership, and that as a civilian advisory mission it will not participate in Armenia’s decision-making processes. 

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas linked the launch to the bloc’s broader effort to support Armenia as it faces increased security challenges and external pressure.

“Today, we deploy a new EU mission on the ground,” Kallas said. “EU experts will support the Armenian authorities deal [sic] with cyber threats and disinformation and countering illicit financial flows.” 

She added that the EU supports “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.” 

The launch comes as Armenia has been deepening security cooperation with the European Union, as it has been reducing reliance on Russia as its traditional security partner. 

The EUPM Armenia will initially have a two-year mandate and will be staffed primarily by experts seconded from EU member states. Romanian diplomat Cosmin George Dinescu has been appointed as the mission’s head. He previously served as the first head of the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova. 

The new mission is separate from the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA), which was deployed in 2023 following repeated Azerbaijani attacks on Armenian territory. EUMA’s mandate is focused on observing and reporting on the security situation, contributing to confidence-building and supporting human security. 

While EUMA has a monitoring role, EUPM Armenia will focus on cybersecurity, countering foreign information manipulation and improving institutional preparedness.