The European Union strengthens Armenia's humanitarian demining capabilities.
08-07-2026 17:10 Armenia Press release
On July 8, 2026, during an official handover ceremony in Yerevan, the European Union transferred the first of two demining machines to Armenia. The handover is a significant step aimed at strengthening Armenia's capabilities in clearing mine-affected areas and unexploded ordnance from the conflict. The demining machine has been provided by the European Commission's Service for Foreign Policy Instruments to the Humanitarian Demining and Expertise Center, which serves as Armenia's national humanitarian demining civil operator.
The support provided is part of broader initiatives aimed at enhancing the resilience of Armenia within the framework of the European Union's assistance. In particular, mines and unexploded ordnance continue to pose serious humanitarian and socio-economic challenges in border communities, endangering civilian lives and limiting agricultural use of land.
As part of the EU's ongoing support in this area, another demining machine is expected to be provided in the autumn of 2026, along with two specialized ambulances, aimed at further strengthening and expanding Armenia's safe humanitarian demining capabilities. In addition to these new resources, the European Union will also provide training, technical expertise, and contribute to the funding of operational costs for humanitarian demining efforts.
“This modern equipment will enable safer, more efficient, and faster demining operations, reducing the risks for specialists. These demining machines will also be of great importance for the delimitation work of the state border between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan,” noted Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan.
“The operation of the demining machine will not only reduce risks but will also contribute to socio-economic development,” said Edward Petrosyan, director of the Humanitarian Demining and Expertise Center.
The machine presented today is expected to significantly improve the quality and speed of demining operations. Practically, this means more effective protection for personnel involved in demining work, faster return of land for civilian use, and an overall increase in the effectiveness of humanitarian demining operations.
“With this machine, Armenia will be able to clear border areas more quickly, allowing farmers to return to their lands, families to live without fear, and communities long affected by the conflict to once again enjoy the normal course of daily life,” said Peter M. Wagner, head of the European Commission's Service for Foreign Policy Instruments.
“The joint efforts of the Armenian authorities and the European Union will help the Armenian people experience the benefits of peace, especially in border areas where mine contamination has been a serious challenge for communities,” noted Magdalena Grono, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia.
“The provision of this demining machine is yet another concrete testament to the EU's support for strengthening Armenia's resilience. By enhancing Armenia's demining capabilities, we contribute to the safety of people and the normalization of life in border areas,” said Vassilis Maragos, EU Ambassador to Armenia.
* This text was automatically translated by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
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