EU officially approves €10 million allocation to Armenia from European Peace Facility

BRUSSELS, JULY 22, ARMENPRESS. For the first time, the EU will allocate €10 million to Armenia from the European Peace Facility. The purpose of the assistance provided to support the Armenia is to increase the material and technical capabilities of the Armed Forces of Armenia and contribute to improving the protection of civilians in crisis and emergency situations.

As an Armenpress correspondent in Brussels reports, the decision was made within the framework of the EU-Armenia partnership and is based on general values aimed at promoting peace, stability and prosperity in Armenia and the South Caucasus. The funding aims to increase Armenia's resilience and accelerate the interoperability of its armed forces, potentially facilitating the country's future participation in international military missions and operations, including those organized by the EU.

According to the decision, the support will provide a full-fledged tent camp for a battalion-sized unit. According to High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, security is an important element of bilateral relations with Armenia. The High Representative noted that the EU has a mutual interest in further expanding dialogue on foreign and security policy, also looking into Armenia’s future participation in EU-led missions and operations.

“The EU is committed to enhancing the comprehensive political and economic partnership with Armenia, based on the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, and to further strengthening our relations in all their dimensions. This includes intensifying dialogue and cooperation in the area of foreign and security policy, also encompassing the common security and defence policy (CSDP),” according to a statement from the Council of the EU.

The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 for the financing of actions under the common foreign and security policy to prevent conflicts, preserve peace and strengthen international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third States and regional and international organisations relating to military and defence matters. 

Lilit Gasparyan