#DemocracyWatch – Three months remain before Armenia’s parliamentary elections, and discussions in the country are increasingly dominated by the topic of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI). Practically all efforts by Armenia’s international partners are now focused on assisting the country in countering hybrid threats stemming from external actors, predominantly Russia. Nearly every discussion, round table, and conference today revolves around the risks of foreign interference and hybrid threats.

Some opposition parties, politicians, and media outlets have downplayed this threat, arguing that it simply does not exist. As a civil society organization that has systematically been targeted by foreign malign actors, we can refute that claim with concrete examples. Only in the past week, we at the Regional Center for Democracy and Security were subjected to two phishing attacks, in which unknown actors attempted to gain access to our data through emails sent in the name of fake accounts supposedly affiliated with the ruling party and the National Assembly. Cybersecurity experts have identified Russia-affiliated actors behind these campaigns.

📍 Armenia’s Foreign Intelligence Service says citizens and ethnic Armenians in an unnamed foreign country are being pressured to financially support certain political forces ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for June.📍 Economic cooperation between Yerevan and Tehran is continuing despite the ongoing strikes by the U.S.–Israeli coalition, according to Iran’s Ambassador to Armenia.#CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #dailyarmenia

📍 Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan chaired a Security Council meeting to review security risks as regional tensions rise. 📍 The continued outmigration of displaced Nagorno‑Karabakh refugees from Armenia has become a demographic challenge for the country. 📍 This Week in Business- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYeP9TSiDIc#CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #dailyarmenia

A drone strike on Azerbaijan’s Nakhichevan exclave has raised tensions between Tehran and Baku and sparked talk of a new war. Political commentator Eric Hacopian joins the CivilNet podcast to examine what an Iranian attack on Azerbaijan could look like, whether Turkey would intervene, and what the conflict could mean for Armenia. He also analyzes what the reported elevation of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new supreme leader signals for the region.0:00- Introduction 0:41- Drone strike on Nakhichevan1:09- Chances of war between Iran and Azerbaijan 3:37- What would an Iran attack on Azerbaijan look like? 4:46- Would Turkey defend Azerbaijan in case of an attack? 6:48- What does the war mean for Armenia? 9:54- What does the election of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's new supreme leader signal? #CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ

📍 The Armenian government has advanced a plan to take control of Electric Networks of Armenia, according to the utility company’s state-appointed temporary manager.📍 Armenian cargo companies have reported further holdups in Georgia.#CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #civilnetbusiness

Armenia watches cautiously as U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran spark regional retaliation, travel disruptions and security concerns. With refugees arriving and airspace largely closed, Yerevan has offered condolences and humanitarian support to Iran. On Insights, Eric Hacopian lays out what the conflict next door means for Armenia and the country’s role in a volatile neighborhood. #CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #insightswitherichacopian

📍 The European Union says it has repeatedly raised the issue of Armenian detainees with Azerbaijan and continues to push for a humanitarian resolution as part of the peace process. 📍 Armenian citizens stuck in Gulf countries say limited government assistance and high airfare prices are making it difficult to return home amid regional conflict. 📍 Opposition activist Artur Chakhoyan claims the Armenian military is trying to draft him to silence his criticism ahead of the June 7 elections. 📍 Chinar's lavash: more than 30 years with a tonir- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fct5O6wP8_I#CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #dailyarmenia

📍 The draft of Armenia’s new constitution will be released later this month for public discussion, Justice Minister Srbuhi Galyan says.📍 The Armenian government is preparing to fully nationalize the Electric Networks of Armenia. The company’s caretaker manager has announced the government will use a constitutional provision that allows the expropriation of private property in exceptional circumstances.📍 The Council of Europe has highlighted the criminal charges against two detained Armenian podcasters in its annual press freedom report.#CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #dailyarmenia

📍 Armenia has held high-level talks with Iran while monitoring regional security and travel disruptions sparked by U.S. and Israeli strikes on the country. 📍 Armenian cargo trucks continue to be held up at the Armenia–Georgia border due to stricter procedures applied by Tbilisi. 📍 This Week in Business- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yykqWgMDZBYCredits: Ruptly#CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #dailyarmenia

📍 Armenia’s economy expanded by 7.2% in 2025, according to the latest official figures.📍 Armenia may have to pay up to $275 million if it decides to end a railway deal with Russia before previously agreed, according to RFE/RL’s Armenian service.📍 S&P upgraded its outlook for Armenia to “positive,” citing U.S.-backed peace efforts.Credits: Ruptly#CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #civilnetbusiness