Current events

Front page / About us / Current events

Three CMC Finland’s experts have started in the new EUMA operation

The first three Finnish experts sent by the Crisis Management Centre Finland have started their work in the EU’s newest civilian crisis management operation in Armenia at the beginning of April. Two of the experts are women. In addition to these, two Finns selected for the positions are waiting to be deployed to Armenia. Finland will continue to contribute to the work of EUMA with the intention of opening positions and sending experts in the future as well.

The European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) observes and reports on the security situation along the Armenian side of the international border with Azerbaijan. It will contribute to human security in conflict-affected areas in Armenia and contribute to build confidence between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Nina, who started as a monitor at the field office in Goris, says that EUMA has received a positive reception.

“My first impression is that the local communities have high expectations of the EU’s role in stabilizing the region and they want to be heard. After a few patrols, the reception has been positive.”

The EUMA mission is Nina’s second civilian crisis management assignment and she believes that her previous experience in the OSCE Ukraine mission will be useful to her in Armenia. So what qualities does the observer need?

“Knowing Russian language is useful in the area. And of course, flexibility and calmness are also important qualities in all civil crisis management tasks,” Nina sums up her strengths.

EUMA is a non-executive, non-armed civilian crisis management mission under the EU’s civilian Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). EUMA began operations on February 20, 2023, and its headquarters are in Yeghegnadzor. The mission has a two-year mandate and will employ up to 103  experts from different EU countries. The EU currently has 13 civilian crisis management operations in Europe, Africa and Asia.

More information about the EUMA operation: www.eeas.europa.eu/euma

Photo: EUAM

Leave a Comment

Accessibility