The activities of the European Union’s civilian mission in Armenia and the new agreement signed between Brussels and Yerevan last week continue to spark debate over their potential impact on the Azerbaijan–Armenia peace process in the South Caucasus. The expansion of the mission’s mandate and the deepening of EU–Armenia cooperation in the security sphere raise serious questions about the prospects for sustainable peace in the region.
In an extensive interview with REAL TV, political commentator Ahmad Shahidov stated that the EU mission, operating since 2023, has moved beyond its original role as a neutral observation mechanism: “The mission operates exclusively on Armenian territory and without Azerbaijan’s consent. This contradicts the principles of balanced mediation. Such an approach does not contribute to peace but instead hardens Armenia’s position in the negotiation process.”
Ahmad Shahidov also addressed the substance of the newly signed EU–Armenia agreement, noting that it sends negative signals regarding the peace talks: “By offering political and security support to Yerevan, Brussels encourages Armenia to rely on external actors rather than pursue direct peace with Azerbaijan. Growing disagreements between the United States and the European Union over the Ukraine war are further intensifying geopolitical competition in the South Caucasus, complicating the Azerbaijan–Armenia peace process.”
