Armenia wants to not only be a consumer but also a contributor to the  activities carried out by its European partners - Deputy FM

ArmInfo.  During an extraordinary session of the National Assembly of Armenia on November 28, a draft Agreement "On Defining the Framework for Armenia's  Participation in EU Crisis Management Operations between the Republic  of Armenia and the European Union," submitted for ratification, was  discussed.

According to Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan, the agreement  was signed on June 30, 2025, aiming to define Armenia's participation  in EU crisis management operations, eliminating the need to establish  separate conditions for each mission. The agreement will allow  Armenia to use the EU's experience and capabilities in crisis  management. In recent years, cooperation between Armenia and the EU  has also included security and defense, making the ratification of  the agreement an important step towards deepening cooperation. "It  was within the framework of cooperation in the security and defense  sphere that the EU civilian observer mission was previously deployed  to Armenia," Kostanyan said, adding that the country wants to not  only receive but also  contribute to the activities carried out by  its European partners. Currently, there are 20 such missions  operating worldwide, with mandates approved either by the UN Security  Council, as in Bosnia and Herzegovina, or at the initiative of  individual states and the EU, as was the case with Armenia.

The deputy minister noted that cooperation with the European Union in  crisis management will enhance interaction between relevant agencies,  promote further cooperation within new programs, and establish a  clear legal basis for Armenia's participation in such missions. "The  status of personnel sent by Armenia to participate in EU operations  will be regulated by existing agreements." "The signing of the  agreement is seen as a practical step towards strengthening  Armenia-EU cooperation and implementing European standards, in line  with Armenia's foreign policy." The deputy minister noted that  countries sending their missions are responsible for covering all  costs. However, the EU has various mechanisms to provide financial  assistance from Brussels if needed. Prior to deploying Armenian  observers to any location, political consultations are conducted.

It should be noted that on June 30, 2025, Armenia received  notification from the EU regarding the completion of the domestic  procedures necessary for the agreement to enter into force.