Armenia and EU advance strategic ties as core security concerns remain unaddressed

(Horizon Weekly) – Armenia and the European Union have adopted a new strategic agenda in Brussels, marking a notable expansion in their partnership even as the most pressing threats to Armenia’s sovereignty, including Azerbaijan’s occupation of parts of its territory and the unresolved aftermath of the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh, continue to be largely ignored in these high level exchanges.

The announcement followed the sixth Armenia EU Partnership Council, attended by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.

Kallas praised the strengthened cooperation and outlined plans for deeper engagement on reforms, economic development, visa liberalisation and security. She also unveiled 15 million euros in new EU assistance for demining, border management and countering foreign disinformation, warning that Armenia is already facing targeted interference ahead of its 2026 elections. Mirzoyan welcomed the shift to what he called a more ambitious phase in relations, reiterating Armenia’s long term European aspirations.

Yet the meeting once again bypassed the issues that define Armenia’s current security reality. There was no substantive mention of Azerbaijan’s continued presence on Armenian soil, no acknowledgement of the forced displacement of Artsakh’s population and no clear indication of accountability for Baku’s ongoing violations. Instead, the EU highlighted ongoing discussions about creating a quadrilateral working group with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and the EU to explore future connectivity projects.

The result, many observers note, is an expanding political partnership that still avoids the core crises endangering Armenia’s stability and long term security.