European Council adopted a significant assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF). With a worth of €20 million, this initiative aims to provide vital support to the 31st Rapid Reaction Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) in Eastern DRC.
European Peace Facility (EPF)
- The European Peace Facility (EPF) is an off-budget funding mechanism for EU actions with military and defence implications.
- It has a total budget of over EUR 12 billion for 2021-2027 and comprises two pillars – one for military operations and one for assistance measures.
- The EPF is managed under the direction of a Facility Committee and provides military equipment and training to enhance partners’ security and defence capacity while ensuring compliance with human rights and international law.
- The EPF plays a crucial role in supporting the capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces against Russian aggression.
- The European Commission serves as the administrator for assistance measures through its Service for Foreign Policy Instruments.
Supporting the Armed Forces: European Peace Facility
- The European Peace Facility (EPF) stands as a critical mechanism designed to finance Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) actions in military and defence areas.
- It was established to foster international security and stability while preventing conflicts and preserving peace across regions facing armed conflicts and instability.
Empowering the FARDC: €20 Million Assistance Measure
- The Council’s adoption of the assistance measure as part of the EPF will strengthen the capacities of the 31st Rapid Reaction Brigade of the FARDC.
- This support is set to bolster the brigade’s capabilities and resilience in their endeavors to address security challenges and maintain peace in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Promoting Responsible Usage: Monitoring Measures
- To ensure the effective use of the assistance and respect for human rights and international humanitarian law, the EPF’s assistance measure encompasses a set of stringent monitoring measures.
- These measures include controls, safeguards, and a rigorous monitoring framework to guarantee the appropriate utilization of the equipment and aid provided.