ArmInfo. Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan expressed gratitude to the European Union and EU member states for the decision to provide assistance to Armenia under the European Peace Facility.
"This partnership effort, grounds in mutual trust and shared interests between Armenia and the EU, aims to strengthen Armenia's defence capabilities. I am confident that this initiative will give a new charge to closer cooperation with our partner EU member countries in both bilateral and multilateral formats," Papikyan wrote on his Twitter account (X).
The EU Council adopted the first ever aid measure in support of the Armenian Armed Forces in the amount of 10 million euros through the European Peace Fund (EPF).
The purpose of this assistance measure is to increase the material and technical potential of the Armenian Armed Forces, as well as to contribute to improving the protection of civilians in crisis and emergency situations. It also aims to enhance Armenia's resilience and promote interoperability of its Armed Forces in the event of the country's possible future participation in international military missions and operations, including those deployed by the EU. Specifically, the adopted measure of assistance will ensure the full deployment of a tent camp for a battalion unit. The European Commission noted that the support accepted today will be provided within the framework of the EU's partnership with Armenia, which is based on common values and aimed at promoting peace, stability and prosperity in Armenia and the South Caucasus.
The European Peace Facility was created in March 2021 to finance actions within the framework of the common foreign and security policy aimed at preventing conflict, preserving peace and strengthening international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Fund allows the EU to finance actions aimed at strengthening the capacity of third states, as well as regional and international organizations related to military and defense issues.
