The South Caucasus once again finds itself under the scrutiny of outside powers eager to define the terms of its peace. What was meant to be a fragile process of reconciliation between neighbors has increasingly become a stage for geopolitical performance, where Western missions operate not as mediators, but as instruments of influence. The European Union Monitoring Mission in Armenia (EUMA), in particular, has become a case study of how "peacekeeping" can blur into political patronage.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s statement on November 4 at the Orbeli Forum 2025, Building Peace and Multilateral Cooperation, reignited debate over the role of external actors in the region. Pashinyan noted that no substantial changes are expected in the activities of EUMA until a peace treaty is signed and formal interstate relations with Azerbaijan are established.

For context, the EU Mission in Armenia comprises around 200 personnel from 25 EU member states, as well as Canada. According to its leadership, these observers "patrol the Armenia-Azerbaijan border day and night to monitor security."

In essence, EUMA’s claim is misleading. Azerbaijan has never attacked Armenia — nor even contemplated doing so. The opposite has long been true. Against this backdrop, the decision to "postpone" the mission’s........

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