Armenia to participate in EU security and crisis management initiatives
Armenia will officially join the European Union’s security measures. The National Assembly today ratified the “Agreement on defining the framework for the participation of the Republic of Armenia in European crisis management operations between the Republic of Armenia and the EU” at an extraordinary session. The bill received 55 votes in favor, 0 against, and 24 abstentions.
According to Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan, the document, signed on June 30, 2025, defines the principles of Armenia’s involvement and provides an opportunity to benefit from the EU’s experience and capabilities.
Armenia will not only be a consumer of security but will also contribute to the EU’s ongoing security initiatives, he said, adding that cooperation will mainly concern civilian missions.
According to Kostanyan, there are 20 missions operating within the EU, whose mandate is based on UN Security Council resolutions or an invitation from the respective state. Regarding financial resources, Kostanyan noted that the MFA had not budgeted for Armenia’s participation expenses, as at this moment the priority was to create the legislative framework for cooperation.
During the discussion, Artsvik Minasyan, secretary of the “Armenia” faction, inquired which countries have similar agreements and whether CSTO members are included in that list. The Deputy Minister responded that Canada, Switzerland, and Norway are already cooperating with the EU in a similar format, while the CSTO does not have such agreements.
Arman Yeghoyan, a deputy from the ruling faction, emphasized that this step is important for Armenia’s international representation:
It is important that we not only ask for help but also are able to contribute to international initiatives.
The extraordinary session lasted about one hour; the discussion was held as a matter of urgency.