FBA’s work with Armenia
Armenia has a long and proud history, unfortunately marked by numerous conflicts. The opportunities for peace and stability are greater than they have been in a long time, but developments are also shaped by significant risks and vulnerabilities. At a time when questions of national identity, democracy, and security are high on the agenda, Folke Bernadotteakademin (FBA) works together with Armenian partners to strengthen democratic resilience, inclusive dialogue, and free elections.
A Country in Transition
Since the popular revolution of 2018, Armenia has undergone major changes. Today, the government pursues a new policy that prioritizes peace and regional stability, including closer relations with neighboring Azerbaijan and Turkey.
A preliminary peace agreement with Azerbaijan has been developed after decades of conflict over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. At the same time, the process has sparked strong reactions among parts of the population, where many feel that Armenia is being forced to make excessive concessions.
Democracy Under Pressure
Armenia is still a relatively young democracy. Several democratic institutions have been strengthened since 2018, but progress has also slowed. Trust in political parties and state institutions remains low, and the risks of political apathy and increased polarization are significant.
At the same time, the need to strengthen resilience against disinformation, hybrid threats, and attempts to influence democratic processes is growing.
FBA’s Work in Armenia
Support for Free Elections and Resilience Against Hybrid Threats
Since 2025, FBA has conducted around 20 training sessions together with the Armenian election commission, civil society organizations, and media actors to strengthen the protection of free elections.
The work focuses on identifying and managing hybrid threats, strengthening electoral integrity and trust in democratic processes, and increasing awareness of influence operations and disinformation. FBA has also developed training materials and publications in Armenian on protecting free elections from hybrid threats.
Dialogue and Peacebuilding in Border Areas
Together with the Armenian civil society organization Democracy Today, FBA strengthens the capacity of local actors to work with inclusive dialogue in border areas affected by the recently negotiated peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Through workshops and local processes, participants receive tools to discuss security, peace processes, and community development.
The goal is to increase participation, reduce the risk of conflict, and strengthen trust between people and institutions.
Strengthening Dialogue Between the State and Citizens
FBA also cooperates with the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia to strengthen the work of citizen councils across different ministries.
The citizen councils discuss new laws and policies. The purpose is to improve understanding of people’s different security needs and contribute to increased trust. This is crucial to ensuring that conflicts are managed within a democratic process and do not escalate into violence.
Important for Sweden and Europe
Developments in Armenia matter far beyond the country’s borders. A stable, democratic, and peaceful Armenia can contribute to greater security, cooperation, and long-term stability throughout the South Caucasus — a region of strategic importance for both Europe and Sweden.
For this reason, Sweden and the European Union have gradually deepened their engagement in the country. Today, Sweden is one of Armenia’s largest bilateral aid donors and supports democratic reforms, free and fair elections, and efforts to strengthen the rule of law and public administration.
Through its work in Armenia, FBA supports the country’s efforts to strengthen human security, deepen democracy, and promote inclusive peace processes — initiatives that reduce the risk of conflict and strengthen the conditions for sustainable peace and security in the region.
Personnel Contributions
FBA contributes personnel to EUMA (EU Mission in Armenia), which has been on the ground since 2023 following an official request from the Armenian authorities to monitor and report on the situation along Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan.
EUMA plays a key role in the EU’s efforts to support peace and stability in the region. The mission observes and reports on conditions on the ground, contributes to human security in conflict-affected areas, and, where possible, supports confidence-building measures between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Since the mission’s establishment, FBA personnel have filled various roles from headquarters leadership to field monitors. Together with staff from the Swedish Police and MSB, Sweden is now one of the largest contributors to the mission.
EUMA: 9 personnel
