Within a tumultuous peace and security environment in the South Caucasus, the European Union has over time established itself in multiple capacities. A network of financial, diplomatic, and security ties comprise the Union’s larger interests in working together with Armenia and Azerbaijan for the benefit of peace, security and stability in the region.  The European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) fulfils an active part in the EU’s contribution to the normalisation process in the South Caucasus. The monitors patrol the entire length of Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan from six Forward Operating Bases on the Armenian side. The Mission conducts both day and night patrols. Total staff of EUMA is over 200 international and national members who are working in different roles such as monitors and in supporting functions. One important task of the Mission is to build confidence among local border communities. Azerbaijan has repeatedly criticised EUMA, describing it as a “propaganda tool” used against Azerbaijan, and viewing the Mission’s presence on the Armenian side of the border with suspicion. In this final issue of Thursday Interview ahead of a summer recess, we speak to Ms. Satu Koivu, who has since March of this year served as Head of Mission for the European Union Mission in Armenia. HoM Koivu started her career in the Finnish police force, over time building a distinguished career in policing, crisis management, international peacekeeping, and security sector reform.  Before taking up her post in Armenia, she served as Senior Police Adviser and Head of Police Component in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus. She has also held advisory and training roles in EU and UN policing missions and courses, including in Palestine, Rwanda, Kenya, and Finland. At the national level, she has held senior positions in the Finnish police, including as Assistant Police Commissioner and Chief of Human Resources Development at the National Police Board of Finland, where her work focused on capacity building, organisational development, police leadership, and professional standards. We speak to HoM Koivu about her professional life before taking up her post in Armenia, how EUMA fits into the region’s wider goal of peace and stability, the negative perception of the Mission in Azerbaijan, and what it means to build trust and confidence in a still fragile post-conflict environment. (To read the full interview, click on the image above)

This commentary was prepared by Ms Nare Aramian for the 12th issue of the Armenia Election Monitor 2026 newsletter. =======================================Democracy cannot exist without participation. Elections remain the principal mechanism through which citizens exercise their sovereignty and hold their representatives accountable. While voting is a constitutional right, it is also a civic responsibility. The quality of democracy depends not only on the integrity of institutions and political actors but also on the active engagement of citizens. Voter turnout was above average in the parliamentary elections – approximately 60%, meaning that a majority of eligible citizens chose to participate in shaping the country's future. At the same time, the turnout figures also highlighted the continuing need to strengthen public trust, civic engagement, and democratic participation so that even more citizens feel empowered to take part in the political life of the country. The elections were also important in the context of Armenia's aspiration to deepen cooperation with Europe and advance towards closer European integration. The values promoted by the European Union – democracy, human rights, equality, transparency, accountability, and the rule of law – are closely aligned with the principles enshrined in Armenia's Constitution. The elections therefore represented not only a domestic democratic process but also an opportunity to demonstrate Armenia's commitment to these shared values. A democratic Armenia is a country where citizens trust public institutions, where corruption is challenged, where local communities have a meaningful voice in decision-making, and where opportunities are accessible to all regardless of gender, age, disability, social status, or place of residence. Such a society is better positioned to achieve sustainable development, social cohesion, and lasting peace.============== (click the image to read the full article).