2. BACKGROUND AND COMPLEMENTARITY

The Yerevan Center of Foreign and Security Policy (YCFSP) is an independent, non-partisan think tank based in Yerevan, Armenia. It works to develop Armenia’s foreign and security policy in line with democratic governance and human rights standards, and to strengthen democratic resilience and Euro-Atlantic integration through evidence-based research, policy briefs, and capacity-building.

The EU Awareness Centre (EUAC) is an independent think tank promoting democratic reforms, good governance, European Union values, and societal resilience, with a particular focus on Eastern Europe and the EU neighbourhood. Through research, advocacy, public diplomacy, and fact-based communication, it supports EU integration processes and counters disinformation and information manipulation, drawing on specific expertise in Georgia’s EU candidate country experience.

The Parties share a commitment to European values, democracy, and the rule of law; to human rights and institutional accountability; and to non-partisan, evidence-based analysis. Recognising the

3.1 Foreign and Security Policy Research 

The Parties may cooperate on: 

• joint and comparative analysis of foreign, security, and defence policy developments in the South  Caucasus and the wider Black Sea region; 

• assessment of regional security dynamics, conflict resolution processes, and their implications for  European and Euro-Atlantic security; 

• analysis of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy instruments, missions, and partnerships  as they relate to Armenia and Georgia; 

• research on resilience, hybrid threats, and the security dimension of European integration. 

3.2 European Integration and EU Accession Support 

The Parties will cooperate to support EU integration processes in Armenia and Georgia by: 

• sharing Georgia’s EU candidate country experience — including on accession screening, legislative  approximation, and civil society monitoring mechanisms — as a relevant reference for Armenia’s  European path; 

• producing analytical materials, policy briefs, and comparative studies on EU accession processes  relevant to the South Caucasus; 

• monitoring and analyzing CEPA implementation and reform progress in the light of EU standards  and membership requirements; 

• supporting joint advocacy and communication activities aimed at advancing the European  integration agenda; 

• facilitating exchanges between civil society, expert, and institutional actors across the two countries. 

3.3 Armenia–Georgia Relations: Common Interests, Sensitivities and Challenges 

The Parties may cooperate on: 

• joint analysis of Armenia–Georgia relations, including common interests, bilateral sensitivities, and  existing and emerging challenges; 

• research on opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas of shared interest,  including regional security, connectivity, economic development, and European integration; • analysis of sensitive issues and differing interests that may affect bilateral relations, and  identification of constructive approaches to managing and overcoming them; 

• promoting expert and policy dialogue aimed at strengthening mutual understanding, trust, and  cooperation between Armenia and Georgia

• developing joint policy recommendations for strengthening bilateral relations and addressing shared regional challenges. 

3.4 Countering Disinformation and Information Manipulation 

The Parties will prioritise joint efforts to counter information warfare by: 

• monitoring and analyzing disinformation narratives and propaganda targeting Armenian and  Georgian societies; 

• sharing research, alerts, and verified information on foreign information manipulation and  interference (FIMI); 

• developing fact-checking content, explanatory materials, and public awareness campaigns; • training researchers, journalists, civil society actors, and the wider public in verification tools and  digital resilience; 

• strengthening societal resilience against hybrid threats and foreign information interference. 

3.5 Democratic Governance, Monitoring and Institutional Accountability 

The Parties may cooperate on: 

• contributing to YCFSP’s Democracy Monitoring Unit through methodological exchange and shared  monitoring practice; 

• analysis of institutional reforms, anti-corruption frameworks, and public administration standards  aligned with EU requirements; 

• promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in both countries; • supporting civil society oversight and civic monitoring mechanisms, including in electoral and  reform processes. 

3.6 Rule of Law and Legislative Approximation 

The Parties may cooperate on: 

• research and analysis on the approximation of Armenian and Georgian legislation to the EU acquis; 

• comparative studies in constitutional, judicial, electoral, and administrative law; • capacity-building for legal professionals and public officials on EU legal frameworks; • developing handbooks, manuals, and educational materials in support of reform processes. 

3.7 Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms 

The Parties may cooperate on: 

• research and advocacy related to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms; • exchange of expertise on European Court of Human Rights jurisprudence and its implementation; • monitoring and reporting on human rights conditions and national protection mechanisms; • joint initiatives related to international humanitarian law, displacement, and accountability.

3.8 Joint Research, Publications and Policy Dialogue 

The Parties may cooperate on: 

• producing joint or complementary policy briefs, reports, and analytical commentaries; • co-organising conferences, roundtables, expert panels, and public events in Yerevan, Tbilisi,  Brussels, and online; 

• cross-publishing and disseminating each other’s relevant research to widen its reach; • engaging jointly with EU institutions, international organisations, and transatlantic policy networks. 

3.9 Capacity Building, Internships and Institutional Networking 

The Parties may cooperate on: 

• designing and delivering training programmes and workshops for civil society, researchers, and  public officials; 

• exchanging interns, fellows, and young researchers between the two organisations, building on  YCFSP’s capacity-building and internship programme; 

• facilitating access to expert networks, EU institutions, and relevant European and international  organisations; 

• jointly developing and submitting project proposals to donors and EU funding programmes. 

4. IMPLEMENTATION 

Specific cooperation activities may be implemented through jointly agreed action plans, project agreements, or written exchanges between the Parties. Each Party will designate a contact person responsible for coordination. 

Each Party bears its own costs arising from activities under this MoC, unless otherwise agreed in writing. 

5. LEGAL STATUS 

This MoC expresses the mutual intentions of the Parties and does not create legally binding obligations under national or international law. 

Each Party remains independent and retains full autonomy in its activities, governance, and decision-making processes. 

Nothing in this MoC shall prevent either Party from entering into similar cooperative arrangements with other organisations. 

Neither Party shall use the name, logo, or visual identity of the other without prior written consent.

6. CONFIDENTIALITY 

Information exchanged in the framework of this cooperation that is identified as confidential shall be treated as such and shall not be disclosed without the prior written consent of the originating Party.  Confidentiality obligations shall survive termination of this MoC for a reasonable period as agreed by the Parties. 

7. COMMENCEMENT, DURATION AND TERMINATION 

This MoC shall enter into force on the date of signature and shall remain valid until terminated by either Party with one (1) month’s written notice.