Farid Shafiyev: Recent developments could accelerate withdrawal of EU monitoring mission from Armenia

Recent developments may allow for the earlier withdrawal of the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMA) from Armenian territory, Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Management Board of the Center for the Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), told Report.

According to Shafiyev, the text of the Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia stipulates that neither party shall allow the deployment of third-party forces along their mutual border:

“This refers to both the EU Monitoring Mission and Russian forces. However, it’s important to note that these provisions apply only after the agreement enters into force. As of now, the agreement has not been signed—only initialed. It is expected to be signed once Armenia makes the necessary amendments to its Constitution.”

The expert believes that the EU Monitoring Mission may continue operating in Armenia for up to two more years:

“However, considering the progress in border delimitation and other positive developments, EUMA could withdraw sooner. This is currently a matter between Armenia and the EU. But once the peace agreement is signed, it will no longer be just a bilateral issue—Armenia will be obligated to remove third-party forces from its territory.”

Article VII of the Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia states that both parties shall refrain from deploying third-party forces along their mutual border. Until the completion of border delimitation and subsequent demarcation, the parties will implement mutually agreed security and confidence-building measures—including in the military domain—to ensure stability and safety in border areas.