EU to Deploy ‘Hybrid Quick Response Team’ in Armenia Against Russian Disinformation
Yerevan, February 24 – The European Union is preparing to assist Armenia in countering Russian interference ahead of the parliamentary elections slated for June. This will involve deploying a ‘hybrid quick response team’ to combat Kremlin’s disinformation, potentially followed by a more permanent civilian mission in the South Caucasus nation. This information comes from ‘Azatutyun’ (Radio Liberty).
Radio Liberty has obtained a letter from Armenia’s Foreign Minister, Ararat Mirzoyan, addressed to Brussels on February 13, requesting the dispatch of a quick response team to Yerevan. The EU previously sent a similar team of approximately 20 experts to Chisinau during last year’s parliamentary elections. This team successfully assisted Moldovan authorities in detecting and countering Russian disinformation spread through social media.
Both Brussels and Chisinau have deemed that project a success, and the European Union now aims to replicate this success in Armenia, especially on the eve of crucial elections where Russia is expected to attempt to exert influence.
Background and Objectives of the Mission
According to diplomatic notes from discussions in Brussels, the EU intends to “express support for strengthening Armenia’s democratic resilience and informational integrity both before the June 2026 elections and during the ongoing peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.” The notes further state that “the assistance offered to Armenia should be clearly aimed at reducing and mitigating destabilizing activities by Russia.”
Sources from ‘Azatutyun’ indicate that EU member states have also approached the diplomatic corps, urging them to “continue communication with Azerbaijan, explaining the purpose of EU support to Armenia and emphasizing the need to avoid a negative impact on the peace process.”
Baku has previously raised concerns regarding both the non-lethal military aid provided by the EU to Armenia in recent years and the current EU observation mission in Armenia. This mission has been operating on the Armenian side of the border with Azerbaijan since 2023, with a mandate to build trust and monitor the situation.
Focus on Hybrid Threats and Electoral Integrity
If approved, the new mission will focus more on hybrid threats, including “protecting the integrity of the electoral process, and possibly a constitutional referendum immediately following it.”
According to several EU diplomats interviewed by Radio Liberty, the parties aim to launch the mission before the EU-Armenia summit scheduled for May 4 in Yerevan. This means a decision on this matter needs to be made in March, though the process is not straightforward.
The deployment of this team underscores the EU’s commitment to supporting democratic processes and stability in its Eastern Partnership countries, particularly in the face of ongoing geopolitical challenges and the spread of misinformation.
The mission’s success in Moldova provides a strong precedent for its potential effectiveness in Armenia, offering a crucial layer of protection against external attempts to undermine democratic institutions. The proactive approach by the EU reflects a growing awareness of the need to address hybrid threats that can significantly impact a nation’s sovereignty and democratic future.
This initiative is also a testament to the deepening ties between Armenia and the European Union, signaling a strengthened partnership in areas of mutual strategic interest, including democratic governance and security.
