Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European Council assumes first-ever assistance step in support of the Albanian Armed Forces.
The European Council adopted an assistance effort under the European Peace Facility worth €13 million to improve the operational effectiveness of the Albanian Armed Forces, notably in times of mobility, manoeuvrability and safety.
What Will the €13 Million Aid Enhance for Albania?
EU Council states that the assistance measure will also support Albania’s capacities concerning its participation in the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operations and assignments, and any international coalitions.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said, “Albania is a reliable security partner and EU candidate country. Today’s decision is a significant milestone in our security and defence collaboration. It also reflects our gratitude for Albania’s full alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, which is a very clear indication of Albania’s strategic choice for a future within the EU.”
Why Did the EU Choose to Support Albania?
The decision is a tangible deliverable of the growing attention to Albania in the security and defence domain, reflecting Albania’s complete alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.
The European Peace Facility will deliver equipment not designed to deliver lethal force and, where required, related supplies and services, including technical training. The Albanian Land Force will acquire light-armoured multipurpose vehicles. These vehicles are qualified to provide high mobility and manoeuvrability in all types of landscape and weather conditions and assure the protection of personnel against light weapons and explosives.
What Is the European Peace Facility’s Purpose in Albania?
The European Peace Facility was launched in March 2021 for the financing of actions under the Common Foreign and Security Policy to avert conflicts, preserve peace and maintain international security and stability. In certain, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions developed to strengthen the capacities of third States and regional and international organisations connecting to military and defence matters.
The European Peace Facility is a fund valued at over €17 billion funded outside the EU budget for a duration of seven years (2021-2027), with a single instrument to finance all activities under the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) in military and defence dimensions. When formed in March 2021, the EPF had an initial monetary ceiling of €5.69 billion in current prices.
The EU Council raised the financial ceiling in March 2023 (by €2.29 billion), in June 2023 (by €4.06 billion) and in March 2024 (by €5 billion). The top-up of March 2024 is a reliable Ukraine Assistance Fund within the European Peace Facility. Assistance by member states is decided based on a gross national income (GNI) distribution key.
