RA Security Council Secretary  bids farewell to  outgoing EU Civilian  Monitoring Mission Head 

ArmInfo.  Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia, received Markus Ritter, Head of the EU Civilian Monitoring Mission in Armenia, on the occasion of the latter's conclusion of tenure.

According to the press service of the Security Council of Armenia, Grigoryan expressed gratitude to Markus Ritter for his cooperation and the work accomplished, emphasizing that the deployment of the civilian mission in Armenia has played a significant role in ensuring security and stability in the region.  Grigoryan wished Ritter continued success and further achievements. In turn, the head of the mission expressed his appreciation for the support and cooperation provided over the years. During the meeting, the interlocutors also discussed issues of mutual interest. 

Recall, on 23 January 2023, the EU Council agreed to establish a new EU Civilian Mission to Armenia (EUMA) within the framework of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The Mission's objective is to promote stability in Armenia's border areas, build confidence on the ground, and create conditions conducive to EU-supported efforts to normalize relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The EU Civilian Mission to Armenia was comprised of up to 100 specialists. Over 8 million euros were allocated for the first four months of the Mission's operation. EUMA's initial mandate is for two years, with its operational headquarters  in Yeghegnadzor.

The Mission became operational on  February 20, 2023, involving 8 French gendarmes and 15 German police officers. Following the EU Foreign Ministers' Council meeting on 11 December 2023, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, announced the intention to increase the mission's size to 209 personnel.