The European Union will provide €12 million to support Armenia ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections, focusing on countering disinformation, boosting cybersecurity and strengthening democratic institutions.
The announcement was made by EU Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy Marta Kos, who emphasized that the package is part of a broader effort to reinforce Armenia’s democratic resilience amid a rapidly shifting geopolitical environment.
According to Commissioner Kos, the assistance package is designed as an integrated election-support framework aimed at helping Armenian state institutions, civil society and the media sector.
“It is €12 million for activities linked to election support,” Kos said. “Enhancing the capacity of institutions to anticipate and respond to hybrid threats, developing rapid-response mechanisms against foreign information manipulation, and supporting fact-based narratives are all part of this plan.”
What the €12 Million Package Includes
The funding will cover several key areas:
- Strengthening institutional capacity to prevent and respond to hybrid threats, including cyberattacks.
- Establishing early-warning and rapid-response systems against foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI).
- Supporting fact-based journalism, strategic communication, and independent media resilience.
- Equipping civil society organizations to play an active role in combating disinformation.
- Improving cooperation between Armenian institutions and EU bodies working on security, information integrity and elections.
Kos emphasized that the support is directed not only toward the government but also toward media and civil society organizations, reflecting a whole-of-society approach.
Moldova Model as a Reference
The Commissioner noted that the EU plans to apply successful practices previously used in Moldova, where EU-supported mechanisms helped counter large-scale disinformation campaigns and illicit political financing.
“One of the most important lessons is that governments must proactively shape their own narratives, not only debunk false ones,” Kos said. “Strong institutions, independent media, and engaged civil society are essential.”
A Strategic Investment Ahead of 2026
Kos stated that the EU’s goal is to help Armenia safeguard its democratic process regardless of political changes.
“Our driving force is protecting democracy and peace,” she said. “We are engaged in Armenia not because of the elections, but even more because of the elections.”
The €12 million package is part of the EU’s broader support to Armenia as the two sides deepen their partnership, including cooperation on security, connectivity, economic diversification and visa liberalization reforms.
Reported by Liana Yeghiazaryan
