This is also our influence: Markus Ritter on Armenian-Azerbaijani relations

The extension of the EU observer mission's mandate in Armenia by the Council of the European Union demonstrates that Brussels considers the mission to be a useful tool in contributing to stability in the South Caucasus.

In an interview with Armenpress, the head of the EU observer mission in Armenia, Markus Ritter, spoke about the extension of the mission's mandate, future tasks of the mission, the Armenian-Azerbaijani border situation, and Azerbaijan's allegations against the EU mission.

Ritter noted that since the beginning of the mission's activities at the Armenian-Azerbaijani border in February 2023, incidents between Armenia and Azerbaijan have significantly decreased.

“The decision in itself shows that the European Union views us (referring to the EU observer mission in Armenia) as a useful tool for contributing to stability in the South Caucasus. It also makes it clear that the Armenian side wants us to remain, as we are here at the invitation of the Armenian government, and it is through this agreement or the agreement between the European Union and the Armenian government that we are to stay for another two years, which indicates that we are being viewed positively,” said Ritter.

In January 2025, the European Union Council decided to extend the mandate of the EU mission in Armenia for another two years, until 2027. Regarding this decision, Ritter remarked: “It is evident that after our (referring to the EU observer mission in Armenia) arrival in Armenia on February 23, 2023, the number of incidents along the border and the line of control between Azerbaijan and Armenia has significantly decreased. I am convinced that this is also our influence, our patrolling along the border, and our presence that is helping to reduce incidents. It is not only us but also the political environment and the negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia that contribute to the decrease in incidents. I am confident that with our presence, we support this overall process.”

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