European Peace Facility: Council adopts assistance measures to support the defence sector of the Republic of Moldova and Georgia

Today the Council adopted two assistance measures under the European Peace Facility (EPF) in support of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova and the Georgian Defence Forces to enhance national security, stability and resilience in the defence sector of both countries.

With these new assistances, we continue to support the modernisation of the capacities of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova and the Georgian Defence Forces. In a challenging geopolitical context and in line with their European aspirations, we are helping to strengthen their defence sectors and enhance their ability to participate in EU military missions and operations. This is the third assistance package for both countries under the EPF, clearly underlining the EU’s unwavering commitment to the region’s security and stability.

Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Building on previous EPF support, the latest assistance measures will contribute to enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova and the Georgian Defence Forces, and accelerate their compliance with EU standards and interoperability, thereby allowing for better protection of civilians during crises and emergencies. The measures are also aimed at strengthening the Moldovan and Georgian capacities with respect to their participation in EU military missions and operations in third countries.

Republic of Moldova
The adopted assistance measure is worth €40 million over a period of 36 months and will finance non-lethal equipment, supplies and services, to the units of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova including technical training, where requested. The approved equipment includes air surveillance, mobility and transportation, logistics, command and control, and cyber-defence equipment.

The assistance measure was requested by the Republic of Moldova on 6 February 2023, and complements the €40 million assistance measure adopted in June 2022 and the €7 million one adopted in December 2021.

Georgia
The €30 million assistance measure adopted today will cover a period of 36 months, and finance non-lethal equipment, supplies and services, to the units of the Georgian Defence Forces, including technical training where requested. The approved equipment includes engineering, command and control, medical, logistics and cyber-defence equipment

The assistance was requested by Georgia on 8 February 2023, and complements the €20 million assistance measure adopted in December 2022 and the €12.75 million one adopted in December 2021.

Background
The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 to finance the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) actions in the areas of military and defence, with the aim of preventing conflict, preserving peace and strengthening international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of non-EU countries and regional and international organisations relating to military and defence matters. Other beneficiaries have been among others Ukraine, the African Union, Niger, Mozambique, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Mali.

The EU is committed to a close relationship in support of strong, independent and prosperous Republic of Moldova and Georgia, based on their respective Association Agreements. Pursuant to these agreements, the EU is intensifying its dialogue and cooperation with Moldova and Georgia, and promoting gradual convergence in the area of foreign and security policy, including the common security and defence policy (CSDP).