The European Union’s monitoring mission continues its work in Armenia under its mandate, and there is currently no reason to change that, EU Ambassador to Armenia Vassilis Maragos stated in response to questions about possible adjustments following the preliminary peace agreement between Yerevan and Baku, according to RFE/RL.
“As far as I know, both the people and authorities of Armenia welcome the EU mission. It remains active. If changes become necessary, we will discuss them with our member states and, of course, with the Armenian authorities. But for now, I want to reassure the Armenian public that the EU mission will continue to operate based on its mandate,” Maragos said.
He was asked whether the withdrawal of EU border observers was under discussion following the preliminary agreement signed in Washington.
“I must emphasize that the EU mission is in Armenia at the request of the Armenian authorities, and it will remain as long as needed. It is a tool for peace and stabilization, and we fully support it,” he added.
On August 8, Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a preliminary peace agreement in Washington, committing to avoid the deployment of third-party military forces along their shared border.
EU civilian monitors arrived in Armenia on February 20, 2023. In January 2024, the mission was extended for another two years, meaning it will operate until February 19, 2027. Baku has repeatedly criticized the mission, accusing it of “espionage” and “telescope diplomacy”—accusations that the EU mission has fully rejected.
