30/01/2025 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 30 January, the EU Council adopted a decision extending the mandate of the European Union Civilian Mission in Armenia (EUMA) for a further two years, until 19 February 2027, with a budget allocation of more than €44 million for the period from 20 February 2025 to 19 February 2027. EUMA was launched on 20 February 2023, when it also began operational activities (see EUROPE 13125/10). The mission is tasked with observing and reporting on the situation on the ground, contributing to human security in conflict-affected areas and supporting the confidence building between Armenia and Azerbaijan, where possible. The mission, headed by Markus Ritter, involves more than 200 people. EUMA observers and civilian experts come from 25 EU Member States and Canada. (CG)