BRUSSELS — The Euro- pean Union is set to launch a second civilian mission in Armenia, after EU member state ambassadors in Brus- sels today approved the decision, paving the way for its final endorsement, which is expected at next week’s meeting of EU for- eign ministers. According to a proposal by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, reviewed by Azatu- tyun radio, the new mission’s mandate, structure, and duration are designed to strengthen Armenia’s resilience against hybrid threats by providing strategic and practical advice to ministries and security- sector agencies.This advisory support will focus on: • policy development, • detecting and responding to foreign in- formation manipulation, • cyberattacks, • and illicit financial flows. The mission will also assess what Ar- menia needs to further develop its security- sector capacities so the country can more effectively identify and respond to hybrid threats in line with EU methodologies and standards. The EU’s internal justification docu- ment reportedly notes that Armenia’s par- liamentary elections scheduled for June, the local elections expected afterward, and a possible constitutional referendum will serve as a major test not only for the dem- ocratic process, but also for the country’s internal stability and regional peace. By dispatching this new mission, Brussels is emphasizing that one of its ob- jectives is to “reduce and neutralize Russia’s destabilizing actions” in Armenia. The document also highlights broader risks, including Armenia’s domestic po- litical developments, external economic pressure, and information manipulation. In addition, it specifically points to the pos- sibility of war involving Iran, stressing that Armenia’s border with Iran—one of only two open borders—is crucial for the country’s communications and the North– South transport and trade corridor. “This tension could further increase Russia’s leverage over Armenia’s econo- my and energy needs and could be exploit- ed on the eve of elections,” the document notes, adding that there are also risks relat- ed to possible migration flows, organized crime, and other illegal activities. The new EU team is expected to be de- ployed in Armenia for two years, with 20 to 30 international staff members, and will operate under the name “European Union Partnership Mission.” It is also expected to remain open to participation by third coun- tries if and when Brussels reaches agree- ments with them. “Without prejudice to the EU’s de- cision-making autonomy and its unified implementation, third countries may par- ticipate in the mission, provided that they cover the costs of the personnel they de- ploy,” the adopted document states.