EU Council Approves Historic Military Aid for Armenia

In a landmark decision, the European Union Council has approved the provision of military aid to Armenia for the first time in history.

The aid, amounting to €10 million, aims to bolster the Armenian Armed Forces.

The aid package will be delivered under the European Peace Facility (EPF), marking a significant step in EU-Armenia relations. The primary objective of this assistance is to enhance the logistical and material capacity of Armenia’s armed forces and improve the protection of civilians during crises and emergencies.

The EU’s support is also intended to strengthen Armenia’s resilience and accelerate the operational interoperability of its armed forces. This preparation is crucial for Armenia’s potential future participation in international military missions and operations, including those conducted by the EU.

The approved aid will provide a fully operational tent camp for a battalion-sized unit, significantly enhancing the logistical capabilities of the Armenian military.

Last week, EU ambassadors gave the green light to start visa liberalisation dialogue with Armenia and, for the first time, agreed to allocate military assistance to the country from the European Peace Facility.

Previously, Hungary had blocked the decision to allocate funds to Armenia under the European Peace Facility, according to media reports. However, this blockage has now been lifted, allowing the historic aid package to proceed.

Context and Implications

The approval of military aid to Armenia is a notable development in the EU’s foreign policy and its approach to the South Caucasus region. The European Peace Facility, established in 2021, is an off-budget fund designed to enhance the EU’s ability to prevent conflicts, build peace, and strengthen international security. It allows the EU to finance actions that have military or defence implications, which were previously not permissible under the EU budget.

Armenia, a country with a complex geopolitical landscape, has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including ongoing tensions with neighbouring Azerbaijan. The provision of EU military aid reflects a commitment to supporting Armenia’s defence capabilities and ensuring the protection of its civilian population during crises.

This decision also signals a broader strategy of the EU to engage more deeply with Eastern Partnership countries. By enhancing military cooperation and supporting Armenia’s defence sector, the EU aims to foster stability and security in the region.

Reactions and Future Prospects

The decision has been welcomed by Armenian officials, who view it as a significant step towards stronger EU-Armenia relations. It also underscores the EU’s willingness to support Armenia in its efforts to modernise its military and enhance its operational readiness.

Moreover, the initiation of the visa liberalisation dialogue represents another positive development in bilateral relations. Visa liberalisation would facilitate easier travel for Armenian citizens to the EU, fostering greater people-to-people contacts and enhancing economic and cultural ties.

The EU’s decision to provide military aid to Armenia could also have implications for the wider region. It may influence the dynamics of the EU’s relations with other Eastern Partnership countries and shape its approach to regional security and defence cooperation.