EU foreign ministers have given the green light to launch a new civilian mission in Armenia aimed at countering hybrid threats. The mission, called the EU Partnership Mission in Armenia (EUPM Armenia), will begin in the coming months and operate under a two-year mandate. Daniel Ioannisyan, program coordinator at the “Union of Informed Citizens” NGO, commented on the potential benefits for Armenia.
He emphasized that hybrid warfare goes far beyond disinformation. It involves a multi-layered approach combining information manipulation, cyberattacks, and economic pressure. In this context, cybersecurity becomes a critical priority for Armenia.
According to Ioannisyan, cyber tensions are expected to rise as elections approach. Armenia could face one of the world’s most advanced cyber offensive forces — the Russian cyber apparatus. Under such conditions, building effective defenses becomes essential. He noted that international support already exists and can help mitigate the impact of potential attacks.
However, it is not possible to eliminate risks entirely. It is likely that some critical websites or digital services may temporarily stop functioning before or during elections, including government platforms or electoral systems. Still, he advises against panic, noting that such systems are usually restored quickly and disruptions tend to be temporary.
Hybrid warfare tools also include leveraging economic and energy dependencies. External actors may exploit these vulnerabilities to exert pressure on the country.
Ioannisyan points to the energy sector as an example. If supplies of nuclear fuel are disrupted, alternative solutions must be in place to ensure the continued operation of Armenia’s nuclear power plant. Such risks highlight the importance of reducing dependency and strengthening system resilience.
In the economic sphere, the situation is also concerning. Russia remains the primary market for Armenian exports, creating a one-sided dependency. Ioannisyan stresses that the issue is not to halt trade, but to avoid a situation where this dependency becomes a tool of political pressure. The solution lies in diversifying export markets and increasing competitiveness in European and other regions.
He also underscores the need to strengthen oversight of financial flows, where Western partners could provide significant support. The same applies to cybersecurity, where Armenia’s capabilities remain limited while threats continue to grow.
Overall, the expert calls for a realistic assessment of risks, strengthening institutional resilience, and continued cooperation with international partners to effectively respond to emerging challenges.