the European Parliament hosted a discussion titled “Hybrid Threats and Disinformation: The Role of Civil Society in the Armenian Elections.” This gathering brought together European officials and Armenian civil society representatives to address the increasing challenges posed by hybrid threats ahead of Armenia's upcoming elections.

Miriam Lexmann, the European Parliament's Standing Rapporteur on Armenia, remarked on the strengthening relationship between the EU and Armenia, calling it a positive example of democratic development in the region. However, she also underscored the significant risks posed by Russian interference, particularly through disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining public confidence in the electoral process.

According to Daniel Ioannisyan, head of the "Union of Informed Citizens," existing mechanisms in Armenia are sufficient to protect electoral integrity. However, he warned that pro-Russian factions are actively working to create public misconceptions about potential election fraud, heightening tension as the elections approach.

Lusine Hakobyan, a lawyer involved in civil society efforts, pointed out the polarized nature of Armenian society, where various actors either support democratic processes or propagate pro-Russian narratives. The discussion concluded with a consensus that the upcoming elections are critical for Armenia’s democratic future. Participants called for enhanced support from the EU to bolster the country's resilience against such hybrid threats.

In parallel, the EU is set to deploy a Hybrid Rapid Response Team to Armenia as part of its commitment to counter foreign interference and strengthen democratic institutions. This mission aims to enhance cybersecurity and combat disinformation, and it reflects a broader strategy previously applied in countries like Moldova.

As the political landscape heats up in Armenia, with former President Robert Kocharyan emerging as a significant opposition candidate, the stakes for democratic integrity and foreign influence remain high in this strategically vital nation.