EU considers deploying ‘Hybrid Rapid Response Team’ to Armenia ahead of 2026 Elections

(Horizon Weekly / YEREVAN) — The European Union is weighing the deployment of a “hybrid rapid response team” to Armenia ahead of the country’s June 2026 parliamentary elections, according to a report by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).

Citing a letter dated February 13, RFE/RL reports that Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan formally requested the dispatch of a rapid response team to Yerevan. The proposed initiative aims to counter disinformation and strengthen Armenia’s resilience against potential foreign interference, particularly from Russia.

The EU previously sent a similar team of around 20 experts to Moldova during last year’s parliamentary elections to help authorities identify and respond to disinformation campaigns, especially on social media. According to RFE/RL, EU officials and Moldovan authorities considered that effort successful, prompting discussions about replicating the model in Armenia.

Diplomatic notes cited by RFE/RL indicate that Brussels intends to bolster Armenia’s “democratic resilience and information integrity” both ahead of the 2026 elections and during the ongoing peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. EU member states have also reportedly encouraged continued engagement with Azerbaijan to clarify the mission’s purpose and avoid negative repercussions for the fragile normalization process.

If approved, the new mission would focus on hybrid threats, including safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and potentially a constitutional referendum that may follow. Several EU diplomats told RFE/RL that there is an effort to launch the initiative before the planned EU–Armenia summit in Yerevan on May 4, though the process requires formal approval by member states.

Funding constraints and internal EU dynamics — including Hungary’s past objections to Armenia-related measures — could complicate the decision. According to RFE/RL sources, the mission would likely be small, with a core team supported by personnel from the existing EU monitoring mission in Armenia.

No final decision has been announced.