Armenian parliament ratifies agreement on EU mission's status

YEREVAN. March 20 (Interfax) - The Armenian parliament ratified an agreement on Wednesday on the status of the European Union's mission deployed along the border with Azerbaijan.

The agreement stipulates that the mission's members cannot be detained or arrested, and its personnel will enjoy immunity from prosecution in the host country under all circumstances.

The mission's sites will also enjoy immunity, and the monitors will be exempt from customs procedures as well as from visa and migration requirements.

In January 2024, the Council of the EU decided to increase the number of EUMA's personnel and earmarked 39.035 million euros for its operations in the period from January 23, 2023 to February 19, 2025, according to a decision published on the EU website.

High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and European Commission Vice President Josep Borrell said in December 2023 that the EU would increase the personnel of its mission in Armenia from 138 people to 209.

The EU announced the launch of its monitoring mission (EUMA) lasting for two years on February 20, 2023. EUMA's functions include conducting routine patrolling and reporting on the situation, contributing to stability in Armenia's border areas, and ensuring an environment conducive to normalization efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan with the EU's support.

Armenia and the EU signed an agreement on EUMA's status on November 20, 2023.