EU to Send Expert Team to Armenia to Counter Russian Interference

The European Union is sending a group of experts to Armenia specialized in combating Russian propaganda and interference, as it increases its support for the former Soviet republic amid political tensions. This was reported by The Guardian.

In a symbolic sequence of events, after the European Political Community summit in Yerevan attended by around 45 leaders, EU leaders will hold their first summit with Armenia on Tuesday.

The EU is deepening ties with Armenia as Russian influence has waned since the large-scale invasion of Ukraine, which is seen as a distraction of Moscow's attention from countries it considers part of its "near abroad."

On Tuesday, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa are expected to officially welcome the EU mission's mandate to counter foreign interference in Armenia at the summit in Yerevan, where they will also discuss issues of energy, transport, and economic support.

The EU is forming a team of 20-30 civilian experts for a two-year mission stationed in Armenia, aimed at improving responses to Russian cyberattacks, information manipulation, and interference, as well as countering illicit financial flows. The mission, which may see an increase in personnel and duration, is expected to begin its work after the parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7, according to The Guardian.