European Union mission in Armenia (EUMA)

SUMMARY OF:

Decision (CFSP) 2023/162 on a European Union mission in Armenia (EUMA)

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DECISION?

It sets up a civilian European Union (EU) mission in Armenia under the common security and defence policy.
The mission forms part of the EU’s contribution to creating a safe and stable environment in conflict-affected areas of the country, which allows for further progress towards a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

KEY POINTS

Mandate

The strategic objective of the mission is:

to contribute to decreasing the number of incidents in conflict-affected and border areas in Armenia;
to reduce the level of risks for the population living in such areas; and
to contribute to the normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan on the ground.

To achieve this objective, the mission aims to contribute, in an impartial manner, to confidence building between the two countries by:

observing through routine patrolling and reporting any conflict-related incidents to ensure detailed awareness of the security situation;
contributing to human security in conflict-affected areas, such as by gathering information and reporting on situations where, due to direct or indirect consequences of the conflict, life and basic human rights are endangered;
maintaining a permanent, visible presence on the ground to build confidence between the populations and the governments of the two countries.

Structure

The mission is based in Armenia.
It has a unified chain of command as a crisis management operation.
The Civilian Operation Commander (COC) will command the mission at the strategic level, under the political control and strategic direction of the Political and Security Committee and overall authority of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
- The COC reports to the Council of the European Un ion through the High Representative.
The COC, the heads of the EU delegations to Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia consult each other as required.
A head of mission is responsible at the local military level.
- The head of mission receives political guidance from the head of the EU Delegation to Armenia regarding relations with the authorities of Armenia and from the European Union Special Representative with respect to relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Funding

The mission’s budget for 23 January 2023 to 19 February 2025 is €30.75 million.
Subsequent funding is decided by the Council.

Confidence Building Facility (CBF)

The mission has a CBF to identify and implement projects that build confidence between the people and governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The CBF can, as appropriate, help and provide advice on projects implemented by EU Member States and non-EU countries in areas related to the mission and in support of its objectives.

FROM WHEN DOES THE DECISION APPLY?

The decision applies from 23 January 2023 until 20 February 2025.

BACKGROUND

For further information, see:

EU mission in Armenia (European External Action Service).

MAIN DOCUMENT

Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/162 of 23 January 2023 on a European Union mission in Armenia (EUMA) (OJ L 22, 24.1.2023, pp. 29–35).

Successive amendments to Decision (CFSP) 2023/162 have been incorporated into the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.