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Deputy Civilian Operations Commander Visits EUMA Headquarters

EU's Deputy Civilian Operations Commander Kirsi Henriksson visited EUMA in Armenia (25–26 June)—joining a border patrol and honoring mission members for their work keeping watch along the Armenia–Azerbaijan frontier.

EUMA HoM Satu Koivu welcoming Vassilis Maragos and Kirsi Henriksson in Headquarters.
© EUMA, 2026

 

On 25-26 June, EUMA had the honour of welcoming Kirsi Henriksson, the Deputy Civilian Operations Commander (Deputy CivOpsCdr).

Deputy Civilian Operations Commander visiting EUMA and engaging with national staff members.

EUMA, 2026

During her visit, she met with the national and international mission members, EUMA management and joined a patrol in Khachik village to learn more about the Mission’s activities on the ground. She also participated in a medal parade together with the Head of EU Delegation, Ambassador Vassilis Maragos recognizing the professionalism and dedication of the mission members operating in demanding environment. 

Deputy Civilian Operations Commander joining EUMA for a patrol.

EUMA, 2026

“The work carried out by EUMA is an essential component in EU’s foreign policy in the Southern Caucasus region. The Mission’s presence helps reduce risks, build confidence and provide impartial observation along the Armenian side of the border with Azerbaijan. I highly value the work of each mission member contributing to safety and security in the border areas’’, said Ms. Henriksson. 

Group picture with EUMA monitors on the patrol.

EUMA, 2026

EUMA Head of Mission, Ms. Satu Koivu appreciated the high-level visit giving the opportunity for mission members to engage closely with the higher hierarchy of CivOpsHq.

“The visit of Deputy CivOpsCdr to EUMA headquarters is highly valued by the mission members and the management. Her engagement with the mission members gave them the opportunity to discuss their daily work on the ground, challenges and future cooperation with the CivOpsHq’’, concluded Ms. Koivu.

Group picture with EUMA management and Kirsi Henriksson.

EUMA, 2026

EUMA was established on 20 February 2023 by the request of the Armenian government. The current mandate runs until February 2027. The Mission has over 200 international and national members. EUMA is a civilian and unarmed mission operating as an impartial actor on the Armenian side of the border with Azerbaijan. 

The main tasks of the Mission are:

  • To observe and report on the security situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.
  • To contribute to the sense of security among local population, especially in the border areas.
  • To help building trust between conflict affected people.

EUMA operates from six different locations: Goris, Ijevan, Jermuk, Kapan, Martuni and Yeghegnadzor. The Mission also has a Liaison and Support Office in Yerevan.

For more information: www.eum-armenia.eu