Kristīne Grīnberga, Press and Public Information Officer and Young Professional Expert, has a robust foundation for a career dedicated to civic engagement and public service. Her mission experience will be a valuable addition to this foundation. 

Seconded from Latvia through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kristīne holds a degree in political science and is currently completing her Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy at Riga Stradiņš University. Her professional experience includes serving as Assistant to Latvia’s Minister of Justice and active involvement in youth engagement initiatives, including as Coordinator of the Latvian UN Youth Delegate Programme. 

At EUMA, Kristīne supports the Mission’s communication and outreach efforts across Armenia.

We had the opportunity to ask her some questions about her role, mission life, and the Young Professionals Program.

Mission Role

What does your role at EUMA involve? 

I am a Press and Public Information Officer (Young Professional Expert). My main tasks consist of assisting the Press and Public Information Office (PPIO) in the creation and execution of social media posts, campaigns, communications initiatives, and outreach activities. I also support colleagues in different departments on communication initiatives on topics such as youth, the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, confidence building, and climate, as well as assist the PPIO and HoM’s Office (Head of Mission) in organising events, outreach activities, and hosting visitors, focusing on communication aspects. 

Through this role, I contribute by sharing experiences about the Mission throughout Armenia, emphasising the importance of the Mission’s mandate and activities, gender equality, youth engagement, and supporting the local population in the border areas.

As a young professional, I can also contribute new and fresh ideas, drawing from my previous communications knowledge. 

Motivation and Mission Life 

What motivated you to apply for a CSDP mission role? 
It felt like a perfect opportunity. Through my work with Latvian youth, I realised that civic engagement and contributing to a better future is what fulfils me. Being part of a larger mechanism working towards a democratic and inclusive society is the best option for me. 

What has been most rewarding and most challenging? 
Knowing that, even if the impact is not immediate or visible, my work contributes to a better future. At the same time, adapting to a new country, a new job, and a new environment was challenging at first. It is important to be empathetic toward local communities but not take every case personally. You need to maintain balance and take care of both your physical and mental health. 

Advice for Future Applicants 

What advice would you give to people interested in working in a mission context? 
Being open-minded is the first and foremost quality needed in a mission. You will experience a lot and need to take in a lot, and without an open mind it will be very hard. For my role, my previous experience with social media has been very useful, but any background can be beneficial for the mission, as long as you have the motivation and willingness to contribute to the mission’s overall objectives. 

What has your experience with the Young Professional Expert (YPE) Programme been like? 
I learned about the YPE Programme through the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a university lecturer who is currently serving as a civilian expert in a mission. After submitting a motivation letter and CV, I was nominated for two YPE roles. Although I was concerned that my age or experience might not be enough, this processshowed me the importance of taking on challenges. On the ground, the atmosphere has been welcoming and supportive, and I have felt included in mission life from my first day. 

Reflection 

Is there a moment that stands out to you so far? 
A particularly memorable moment was participating in a school outreach visit with Forward Operating Base (FOB) Martuni. Meeting children in a small village school, seeing their living conditions, and hearing their concerns about security and the future was deeply moving. It showed me how much the Mission’s presence matters to local communities, and reinforced my purpose here: to contribute to the Mission’s objectives of confidence building within the Armenian society — to provide apresence and ensure safety, give them a platform to be heard, and assure them that we will contribute to the peace and stability in the region. 

Click here to learn more about secondment to civilian CSDP missions.
 

More information on the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA)  can be found on the mission's website.