Josep Borrell Emphasizes Urgent Need for Strong Support in Armenia; Reports EU Mission Expansion

Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security, highlighted the imperative need for robust assistance to Armenia during a briefing held prior to a meeting with the Foreign Ministers of the Eastern Partnership countries in Brussels.

Addressing the challenging landscape encompassing countries within the Eastern Partnership, including Belarus, Ukraine, and the Caucasus region, Borrell highlighted the significance of fortifying support for Armenia. While acknowledging Georgia's progress toward EU membership as a positive development, Borrell emphasized the crucial requirement for intensified backing for Armenia in its current situation.

Borrell elaborated, stating, "The good news is Georgia is advancing towards [EU] membership, but the situation in Armenia requires our strong support. We will see how we can increase it."

In a move affirming the EU's commitment to bolstering its engagement with Armenia, Borrell disclosed plans to expand the EU's mission in Armenia significantly. The EU foreign ministers, following their meeting, unanimously agreed to augment the personnel of the EU civilian mission in Armenia by 50%, escalating the number from 138 to 209 individuals.

During a press conference following the ministerial meeting, Borrell emphasized the significance of this decision. "Today, the EU Council decided to strengthen our civilian mission in Armenia, increasing our presence on the ground from 138 to 209 people. This is an important augmentation in the size of the mission and signifies a proactive measure to reinforce stability along Armenia's international border with Azerbaijan," Borrell stated.

The expansion of the EU civilian mission in Armenia shows the EU's commitment to bolstering stability and security in the region. This substantial increase in personnel aims to enhance Armenia's capacity to maintain stability along its borders, particularly concerning its international border with Azerbaijan.