EU to provide €10 million in aid to Armenian Armed Forces

For the first time, the EU will provide Armenia with €10 million from the European Peace Facility (EPF). The aim of this assistance measure is to enhance the logistical capacities of the Armenian Armed Forces and to contribute to improved protection of civilians in crises and emergencies. The decision was adopted within the framework of the EU’s partnership with Armenia and is based on “shared values and aimed at promoting peace, stability and prosperity in Armenia and the South Caucasus.”

The assistance package also aims to enhance the resilience of Armenia and accelerate interoperability of its Armed Forces in case of possible future participation of the country in international military missions and operations, including those deployed by the EU. The assistance measure will allow the provision of a fully-fledged deployable tent camp for a battalion-sized unit.

High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said security is an increasingly important element of the EU’s bilateral relations with Armenia, adding that the EU has a mutual interest to further scale up the 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),” the Council of the EU said in a press release.