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JAMnews
10 hours ago
- Politics
- JAMnews
"EU to support Armenia in this critical moment": Kaja Kallas visits Yerevan
Kaja Kallas' visit to Armenia EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas is on her second day in Armenia. Following talks with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, a joint press conference was held. They informed journalists about the signing of an agreement outlining Armenia's involvement in the EU's CSDP (Common Security and Defence Policy) crisis management operations. According to Kallas, the document envisions Armenia's participation in EU missions around the world. This is a vivid example of mutual readiness to expand the Armenia-EU partnership agenda. And it demonstrates Armenia's commitment to making a constructive contribution to global security, stability, and peace, Mirzoyan stated. International affairs expert Varduhi Harutyunyan recalls that, according to a study conducted by the EU's Eastern Partnership Regional Communication Program, 75% of Armenian citizens expect the EU to play a greater role in strengthening the country's defense. In this context, she emphasizes that the mechanisms currently in place in Armenia-EU relations are not yet sufficient to meet these public expectations. Given the ongoing discussions within the European Union on defense and security issues, cooperation in the defense sphere with individual European countries is more relevant for Armenia, the expert believes, citing examples of Armenia's cooperation with France, Greece, and Cyprus. Armenian FM highlights 'three significant achievements' According to Armenia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, in addition to the signing of the framework agreement, two more 'significant achievements' have been recorded: the completion of negotiations on the new partnership agenda, the launch of consultations in the field of defense and security. The launch of defense and security consultations, he noted, is a 'decisive step.' It aims to align cooperation with current challenges. 'In this context, I would like to particularly highlight cooperation aimed at strengthening Armenia's defense capabilities, resilience, and the further development of democratic institutions, which also includes areas such as combating hybrid threats and disinformation', Ararat Mirzoyan stated. New Armenia-EU partnership agenda 'Armenia and the European Union have successfully concluded negotiations on a new partnership agenda. This is an ambitious document that will complement and further deepen the bilateral Armenia-EU agenda through new areas of cooperation. At the same time, it will contribute to the effective implementation of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between Armenia and the EU', said Armenia's Foreign Minister. According to him, the document outlines additional areas, directions, and instruments of cooperation. Ararat Mirzoyan affirmed that details will be presented to the public in the near future. 'The new agenda defines our priorities in the areas of economic development, security, and resilience', added Kaja Kallas. 'The EU will continue to support Armenia' The EU High Representative stated that she came to Yerevan with a clear message: the EU and Armenia have never been closer than they are now. Kaja Kallas emphasized the importance of Armenia's continued commitment to democracy and freedom, especially in the face of hybrid threats and external interference. She stressed that the European Union is ready to support Armenia in this critical moment. Journalists asked her about the current status of the European Peace Facility assistance to Armenia and about Hungary's position this time, after it vetoed the aid in 2024. The European Peace Facility is a tool through which Brussels provides funds to non-EU countries to enhance their defense capabilities, prevent conflicts, and strengthen peace. 'The EU consists of 27 democratic countries, which complicates the decision-making process. Sometimes a country can block a decision. Yes, we have not yet made a decision, that is true. But we are working on finding a solution to this problem,' Kallas replied. Key points from the Kallas-Mirzoyan talks During the press conference, Ararat Mirzoyan said they discussed with the EU colleague: possible realistic steps toward implementing the bill on Armenia's accession to the EU, issues related to the visa liberalization process, programs to deepen economic ties, regional and Middle Eastern developments, the Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiation process. In February 2025, the Armenian Parliament approved a bill to launch the process of joining the European Union. The initiative was put forward by civil society representatives and pro-Western political forces in Armenia. To bring the bill to the parliamentary agenda, the initiative group gathered 60,000 signatures instead of the required 50,000. 'We also discussed with the High Representative initiatives implemented with EU participation in the field of regional communications. I emphasized the comparability and potential complementarity of the 'Global Gateways' strategy and the Armenian government's 'Crossroads of Peace' project,' Mirzoyan stressed. Comment Varduhi Arutyunyan, an international affairs expert at the Orbeli Analytical Research Center, believes that the new Armenia-EU partnership agenda will be signed in the near future. According to her information, the document also covers the area of security. She reminds that, according to public opinion polls, the majority of Armenian citizens associate the deepening of relations with the European Union with improvements in Armenia's security and defense capabilities. At the same time, the analyst believes that it is more appropriate for Armenia to continue building closer defense cooperation with individual European countries rather than with the European Union as a whole. She emphasizes that the EU is not a defense organization: 'Today, Europe's security largely depends on NATO and the United States. It should be noted that the EU is not a security-exporting institution and cannot fully provide the vital security needs of Armenia.' According to Arutyunyan, as a result of the Trump administration's policy approach, the EU's main task is to develop a strategy to reduce dependence on the United States and establish its own security system. 'Although security cannot be a key focus in Armenia-EU relations, Yerevan and Brussels have begun gradually strengthening cooperation in this particular area. This partnership direction includes mechanisms aimed at enhancing Armenia's security system.' She cites examples of Armenia-EU cooperation in security: a 10-million-euro package of non-lethal military aid to Armenia provided through the European Peace Facility in 2024, the appointment of Armenian military attaché to the EU in Belgium in 2025. She also notes that Armenia will face a significant challenge in withdrawing from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which operates under Russian leadership. Integration into the EU economic system will also be complex. At the same time, the country will need to work on strengthening stable democratic institutions upholding the rule of law. The expert stresses that Armenia's accession to the EU should not be seen as a 'quick fix' for the country's security or economic problems: 'This is still a long-term goal. Armenia must develop a multilayered, balanced, and well-rounded foreign policy. It should primarily focus on its own institutional stability and internal consolidation. At the same time, the door to European integration and EU membership must remain open. Membership should be viewed not as the sole objective, but as a long-term strategic outcome.' Follow us – Twitter | Facebook | Instagram Kaja Kallas' visit to Armenia
Libya Review
3 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
EU Border Assistance Mission in Libya Extended Until 2027
The European Council has officially extended the mandate of its Integrated Border Assistance Mission in Libya, known as EUBAM Libya, for an additional two years. The mission will now continue its operations until 30 June 2027. Announced via the mission's official social media account, the extension comes with a renewed budget of approximately €52 million. EUBAM Libya will continue to support Libyan authorities in enhancing their capacity to manage borders and combat cross-border crime. This includes tackling human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and terrorism. The extended mandate will allow the mission to provide continued technical advice, capacity-building support, and the implementation of various projects. EUBAM will also facilitate training courses and workshops, with a strong emphasis on international human rights standards and gender-sensitive approaches. Established in May 2013 under the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), EUBAM Libya is currently led by Jan Vyčítal. Over the years, the mission has played a vital role in improving Libya's border control systems and institutional frameworks, particularly along the country's porous land and maritime borders. The decision to prolong EUBAM's presence comes amid a prolonged political stalemate in Libya. The country remains divided between rival administrations in the east and west, complicating international efforts to bring about lasting stability. The failure to hold presidential elections as planned in December 2021 has further delayed the political transition. Despite the challenges, the EU remains committed to supporting Libyan sovereignty, border security, and the rule of law. EUBAM's continued presence underscores Europe's strategic interest in managing migration flows and addressing security threats emanating from North Africa. Tags: EU MissionEUBAMEuropean Councillibya
