Wednesday, August 14 2024 17:28

ArmInfo. Head of EU Mission in Georgia Bettina Patricia Boughani posted the following message on her X account:

"Today I had a pleasure to meet w/ Markus Ritter, Head of EUmARMENIA, marking together 18 months of successful cooperation between EUMMGeorgia and EU Mission in Armenia. Together we contribute to stability and security in the South Caucasus region.

EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) was launched by the decision of EU Foreign Affairs Council on 20 February 2023, when it also started its operational activities. EUMA is tasked with observing and reporting on the situation on the ground, contributing to human security in conflict-affected areas and supporting the confidence building between Armenia and Azerbaijan, where possible. EUMA is an essential component of the EU's efforts in supporting peace and stability in the region.

The EU established the Mission in response to an official request by the Armenian authorities to deploy a full-fledged EU civilian mission on the ground. This deployment follows the successful experience of the EU Monitoring Capacity (EUMCAP) deployed previously on the Armenian side of the Armenia- Azerbaijan border between 20 October 2022 and 19 December 2022.

The Mission has a two-year mandate and will involve up to 209 personnel including 165 international and 44 local staff. EUMA observers and civilian experts come from 23 EU Member States and the Third Contributing State Canada.

EUMA is deployed on the Armenian side of the international border with Azerbaijan. EUMA Headquarters is located in Yeghegnadzor, with six Forward Operating Bases in Yeghegnadzor, Jermuk, Martuni, Kapan, Goris and Ijevan. The Mission also has a liaison office in Yerevan. EUMA is exclusively deployed and operating within the internationally recognised territory of Armenia.

EUMA coordinates all its activities with the Armenian authorities. It also informs the Azerbaijani side of relevant developments as appropriate.