The Council of the European Union on December 2 adopted 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, IPN reports.

In a press release, the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova says these measures aim to strengthen the capacities of beneficiary countries in military and defense 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 Defense 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.

The assistance measure for Moldova 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.

By the same decision, Georgia was allocated €12.75 million, Ukraine - €31 million, while the Republic of Mali - €24 million.

The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 to finance EU external actions with military or defense 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 organizations as regards military and defense matters.