No potential for escalation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border seen: Head of EU Mission to Armenia
YEREVAN, March 10. /ARKA/. The situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border is peaceful and calm, with no potential for escalation, said Markus Ritter, head of the EU Monitoring Mission to Armenia (EUMA).
"Both sides are carrying out fortification work, but this is a defensive measure and not an indication of potential escalation. It would be a different situation if we observed troop deployments or the accumulation of equipment," Ritter said in an interview with Public Television of Armenia.
Ritter emphasized that EUMA does not conduct any intelligence work, nor does it assist either side in preparing for military escalation. Instead, the mission seeks to prevent escalation through its presence.
According to Ritter, the number of incidents on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border has significantly decreased since the mission's deployment.
"I know this is not solely due to our work, but we are a 'part' of the effort. During the EU Monitoring Mission's time in Armenia, approximately 4,700 patrols have been conducted along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border," Ritter said.
He mentioned that the mission monitors the situation on the border from the Armenian side, takes photographs, and reports changes to Brussels on a weekly basis, every Friday.
"The Armenian and Azerbaijani sides do not have access to these reports; to inform the public, we periodically make relevant statements and press releases," he added.
About the EU mission in Armenia
The EU Civilian Mission to Armenia (EUMA) was launched on February 20, 2023, under the framework of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) with a two-year mandate. On January 30, 2025, the mission’s mandate was extended for another two years.
EUMA conducts patrols from six operational bases in Kapan, Goris, Jermuk, Yeghegnadzor, Martuni, and Ijevan. The mission’s goal is to stabilize the situation in Armenia's border areas, strengthen confidence and security in conflict-affected areas, and create conditions that foster the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan with EU support.
