BRUSSELS, Jan 30 (KUNA) -- The European Union Council adopted on Thursday a decision to extend the mandate of the EU mission in Armenia for an additional two years, and allocated a budget of EUR 44 million for the mission from February 20, 2025, to February 19, 2027.
The mission is an essential part of the EU's efforts to support peace and stability in the region, according to a press release from the Council.
The mission's task is to monitor the situation on the ground, report on it, contribute to human security in conflict-affected areas, and support confidence-building between Armenia and its neighbouring country Azerbaijan, where possible.
The Council emphasized that the approved tasks of the mission will remain unchanged, as it will continue to be an unarmed civilian mission.
The mission, led by Dr. Markus Ritter, consists of more than 200 personnel, including both international and local staff. The observers and civilian experts come from 25 EU member states and the third contributing state, Canada. The mission was launched by the Council's decision on February 20, 2023, when its operational activities also commenced. (end) arn.gb