A discussion on hybrid threats facing Armenia ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections was held at the European Parliament.

According to an Armenpress correspondent in Brussels, the event, titled “Hybrid Threats and Disinformation: The Role of Civil Society in the Armenian Elections,” brought together European officials and representatives of Armenian civil society. Participants noted that Armenia remains an important, yet still vulnerable, example of democratic development in the region.

Miriam Lexmann, European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on Armenia, MEP Miriam Lexmann, said EU-Armenia relations are currently closer and that Armenia stands out as a positive example in the region. At the same time, she warned of Russian interference and various threats to democracy.

Participants noted that Russian influence is manifested through disinformation, emotional manipulation, anti-peace narratives, and efforts to undermine trust in electoral processes.

According to Daniel Ioannisyan, head of the “Union of Informed Citizens” organization, sufficient mechanisms are in place in Armenia to safeguard elections, but pro-Russian groups are attempting to create a perception among the public that the elections will be rigged.

Lawyer Lusine Hakobyan emphasized that Armenian civil society operates in a highly polarized environment, where some actors defend democratic processes, while others promote pro-Russian narratives.

At the end of the discussion, participants stressed that the 2026 elections will be crucial for Armenia’s democratic future and that greater support from the European Union could play an important role in strengthening the country’s resilience and democratic institutions.