Hybrid Threats and Disinformation in Armenia’s Electoral Context

On 21 April 2026, Dr George Robakidze, Executive Director of the EU Awareness Centre, participated in a policy discussion held at the European Parliament in Brussels on hybrid threats and disinformation in the context of Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for 7 June 2026.

The discussion involved policymakers, experts, and civil society representatives evaluating how disinformation campaigns, social media manipulation, and cyber-enabled interference affect electoral processes. Specific focus was on external influence operations and their impact on shaping public perceptions and eroding trust in democratic institutions.

During the exchange, Armenian participants highlighted that the current situation in Armenia shows notable similarities to developments observed recently in Moldova and to those observed approximately a decade ago in Georgia. In particular, parallels were drawn between political-economic influence structures, including comparisons between the Georgian oligarchic context and the role attributed to Russian-linked Armenian oligarch Samvel Karapetyan.

In his intervention, Dr George Robakidze underlined the structural similarities in the use of disinformation and hybrid tools across Armenia, Moldova, and Georgia, noting that these challenges follow comparable patterns across the Eastern Partnership region. He also noted the absence of Georgian civil society representatives in the discussion, suggesting that their inclusion in future exchanges would add value.

The discussion reaffirmed that hybrid threats remain a cross-regional challenge requiring coordinated responses, including stronger engagement of civil society, enhanced strategic communication, and increased exchange of experience among Eastern Partnership countries.