EU’s Kallas warns Moscow preparing Moldova “playbook” to influence Armenia’s 2026 election

The European Union announced a €15mn package on December 2 to support Armenia’s resilience and peacebuilding, including demining efforts and regional confidence-building initiatives, amid warnings of foreign interference ahead of next year’s parliamentary elections.

Speaking after the EU-Armenia Partnership Council in Brussels, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said Russian-backed networks were already deploying disinformation campaigns in Armenia, following a “playbook” she said was identical to operations previously observed in Moldova.

“The European Union will do everything to be there for you,” Kallas said, highlighting that EU funding will also support detection, analysis and response to foreign interference.

The council adopted a new strategic agenda for EU-Armenia cooperation covering a broad range of areas, including judicial reforms, economic diversification, visa liberalisation, and security. Kallas said the agenda reflected the EU’s commitment to Armenia’s democratic development, especially as elections approach.

She also noted that 2025 had been a pivotal year for Armenia, particularly after agreements with Azerbaijan in August helped end a years-long conflict between the two countries.

“Countering foreign interference requires a whole-of-society approach. An active civil society and free independent media are really essential,” Kallas added.

The EU and Armenia are scheduled to meet again with all 27 EU foreign ministers in December to discuss electoral integrity and further steps to strengthen resilience and democratic institutions./Intellinews/