US researcher: Cooperation with France to place Armenia in strong dependence on France

US former senior researcher at the Institute of European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies at Carleton University Robert M. Cutler has said that as far as military cooperation with France is expanding, Armenia will become increasingly dependent on the country in all spheres in the coming years.

Cutler made these comments during "France and the Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict" video conference, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

He noted that attempts by third countries to interfere in the affairs of the South Caucasus are destabilising the region, causing concern even in Iran.

"Iran is worried about the presence of third countries along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. France is providing Armenia with ammunition, military equipment, air defence systems, and night vision devices. French weapons are capable of hitting targets at long distances. There is a likelihood that between 2026 and 2027, military cooperation between France and Armenia will further expand, placing Yerevan in strong dependence on Paris in all spheres, including the economy," he added.

The European Union Council has approved the extension of the European Union Mission to Armenia (EUMA) for an additional two years, with a budget allocation of 44 million euros. 

The statement released by the Council’s press service on January 30 confirmed that the mission would continue until February 19, 2027.

The budget allocated for this extension will cover the period from February 20, 2025, to February 19, 2027. The mission will consist of more than 200 staff, including both international and local personnel. Observers and civilian experts will represent 25 EU member states, along with Canada, which also participates in the mission.

EUMA was initially launched by the EU Council on February 20, 2023, and began operations in Armenia shortly thereafter. 

Recently, the mission has once again come under scrutiny. A video surfaced, showing mission personnel in two EU-owned Toyota vehicles near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, reportedly observing Azerbaijani territory in the Gazakh region using binoculars. This activity was noticed by Azerbaijan’s State Border Service, sparking allegations of espionage.

Azerbaijan has repeatedly raised concerns about the mission’s activities. President Ilham Aliyev has pointed out that the extension of the mission was not coordinated with Baku. In December 2024, President Aliyev presented conditions for a peace agreement with Armenia, which included the rejection of the deployment of third-party armed forces along the border.

By Naila Huseynova