European Peace Facility: Council adopts assistance measures for Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and the Republic of Mali

Source: Council of the European Union (Council) i, published on Thursday, December 2 2021.

The Council adopted today a set of decisions establishing four assistance measures under the European Peace Facility (EPF) in support of Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and the Republic of Mali.

These measures aim to strengthen the capacities of beneficiary countries in military and defence matters, with the aim of promoting domestic resilience and peace. For Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the EU also aims to enhance the capacity and interoperability of local armed forces to contribute to Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) military missions and operations. The measures are in response to requests sent to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy by the countries involved.

All assistance will be subject to compliance with relevant international law, in particular international human rights and international humanitarian law, as well as with relevant legal instruments and best practices based on international and EU rules, standards and policies regarding the supply of equipment to armed forces. None of the measures involve the supply of equipment designed to deliver lethal force.

Georgia

This assistance measure will help strengthen the capacities of the Georgian Defence Forces, including their ability to provide their services to civilians in crises or emergency situations.

In particular, it will provide non-lethal medical and engineering equipment and civilian-type mobility assets.

This measure is worth €12.75 million over a period of 36 months.

Republic of Moldova

This assistance measure will help build the capacities of the Military Medical Service and the Engineering Battalion of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova, including their ability to provide their respective services to civilians in crises or emergency situations.

In particular, the EU will finance the provision of medical equipment for the Military Medical Service, and of explosive ordnance disposal equipment for the Engineering Battalion.

This measure is worth €7 million over a period of 36 months.

Ukraine

This assistance measure will enhance the overall resilience of Ukraine and help strengthen the capacities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, including their ability to provide their services to civilians in crises or emergency situations.

In particular, it will finance military medical units, including field hospitals, engineering, mobility and logistics units, and support on cyber.

The measure is worth €31 million over a period of 36 months.

Mali

In conjunction with the EU Training Mission in Mali, this assistance measure will help strengthen the capacities of the Malian Armed Forces to enable them to conduct military operations aimed at restoring Malian territorial integrity and reduce the threat posed by terrorist groups. This should contribute to an enhanced presence of state services in remote areas and lead to better protection of civilians.

The EU will further professionalise the Malian Armed Forces in three main areas: supporting the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy in Banankoro; renovating the training infrastructure in Sévaré Mopti; and providing equipment to supported units of the Malian Armed Forces.

The EU follows closely the political situation in Mali and stands closely with the Malian people in promoting peace and stability in the country. The EU intends to continue its cooperation with the country, in particular when it comes to the provision of security to civilians. The measure is worth €24 million over a period of 30 months. The assistance measure will be carefully assessed and could be suspended if conditions for its good implementation are not met.

Background

The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 to finance EU external actions with military or defence implications, with the aim of preventing conflict, preserving peace and strengthening international security and stability. In particular, the EPF allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third states and regional and international organisations as regards military and defence matters.

The Council has already adopted three assistance measures under the European Peace Facility: a €130-million measure to support the African Union in July, and measures to support Bosnia and Herzegovina and Mozambique worth €10 million and €40 million respectively, in November 2021.

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