Council of the

European Union


Brussels, 14 March 2024
(OR. en)
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COPS 124
MOG 28
CORLX 276
EPF AM 24
POLMIL 81
CFSP/PESC 391

COAFR 106
CSDP/PSDC 164
EUMC 115
EUTM MALI 3
CIVCOM 66
EUTM MOZ 8
COEST 174
FIN 267

COWEB 32
RELEX 329
COVER NOTE
From:
High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
signed by Mr Stefano SANNINO, Secretary-General
date of receipt:
13 March 2024
To:
Ms Thérèse BLANCHET, Secretary-General of the Council of the
European Union
Subject:
Report from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs
and Security Policy to the Council on the implementation of assistance
measures under the European Peace Facility until 31 December 2023

DOCUMENT PARTIALLY ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC (14.10.2024)
Delegations will find attached document HR(2024)53.

Encl.: HR(2024)53

7766/24

MR/fa

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HR(2024) 53
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EUROPEAN EXTERNAL ACTION SERVICE

Report of the High Representative of the Union
for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
to the Council

of 13/03/2024

on the implementation of assistance measures under the European Peace Facility
until 31 December 2023

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Report of the High Representative of the Union
for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
to the Council

"Implementation of assistance measures under the European Peace Facility
until 31 December 2023"

Overview

In line with Article 63 of the Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/509 of 22 March 2021 establishing a
European Peace Facility (hereafter EPF CD), the High Representative (HR) hereby presents the fifth
report on the implementation of assistance measures (AMs) under the EPF.
The report provides an update on the political, operational and financial aspects of support under the
adopted AMs and approved actions1  until  31  December  2023.  It also provides an overview of
0F
monitoring activities related to commitments stemming from an HR arrangement with a beneficiary.2
1F
By 31 December 2023, AMs under the EPF aimed at strengthening military capacities of 22 partners
had been adopted.3 The EPF has continued to function as a global instrument with a view to prevent
2F
conflict, preserve peace and strengthen international security and stability, and in compliance with
international human rights law (IHRL) and international humanitarian law (IHL). It has also financed
common costs of Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) military operations and missions
under the Operations pillar.
On top of financing a wide and tailored package of military assistance including both lethal and non-
lethal equipment as well as training in support of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the Council agreed to
provide EPF support to a number of African countries (Benin, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of
the Congo, Ghana, Mauritania, Mozambique, Rwanda, Somalia), Eastern and Southern neighbours
(Georgia, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, Jordan, Lebanon) as well as the Western Balkan partners
(Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Balkan Medical Task Force). Furthermore, the EPF has
financed the military components of African-led peace support operations (ATMIS, G5 Sahel Joint
Force, MNJTF, SAMIM).
In 2023, 21 HR proposals for AMs and amending Council Decisions concerning existing AMs were
adopted,  including the three-track ammunition initiative  to support  Ukraine,  approval of lethal
support to Somalia and Niger (suspended),  rapid delivery of Irini-seized vehicles to Ghana, and
expansion of EPF AMs to the Gulf of Guinea more broadly. The Political and Security Committee
(PSC) approved three actions under the assistance measure taking the form of a general programme
for support to the African Union for the period 2022-2024. Furthermore, the EPF financed for the
first time an EU LIVE exercise.

1 Actions under the assistance measure taking the form of a general programme for support to the African Union.
2 As per article 62 of the EPF CD.
3 Including the AM Mali and AMs Niger that have been suspended.

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Following the first top-up of EUR 2,000,000,000.00 adopted on 13 March 2023, the Council adopted
a decision on 26 June 2023 to increase the overall financial ceiling of the EPF by EUR
4,061,000,000.00 (in current prices, or EUR 3,500,000,000.00 in 2018 prices). The overall financial
ceiling now totals more than EUR 12,000,000,000.00 (in current prices).
Following the strategic orientations provided by PSC, the AMs and actions outlined in this paper have
been developed and implemented based on an Integrated Approach. This includes needs assessments,
conflict sensitivity assessments, and political fragility country analysis.
In line with Article 9 of the EPF CD, the PSC is invited to take due account of this reporting in view
of the PSC review of the strategic orientation for AMs and operations in 2024.
An overview of the adopted AMs and approved actions by 31 December 2023 is provided at the end
of this report (Table 1).

1. State of play of Assistance Measures in Africa

1.1. Assistance measures taking the form of a general programme for support to the African
Union

On 21 April 2022, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2022/667 on a second AM taking the form
of a general programme for support to the African Union, this time for the period 2022-2024 (AM/GP-
AU 2022-2024), with a financial reference amount of  EUR  600,000,000.00.4  On the basis of
3F
recommendations from the HR, the PSC approved three actions under this AM in 2022 and additional
three actions in 2023.5
4F
DELETED

1.1.1.  Support to the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS)

Political aspects
In addition to previous support decided in 2021 and 2022, on 2 March 2023, the PSC approved an
action in support of the military component of ATMIS for the period of 1 January to 31 December
2023 amounting to EUR 85,000,000.00 under the AM/GP-AU 2022-2024.
This action, as the previous ones, aimed at enabling the military component of ATMIS to fulfil its
mandate, with a focus on the gradual transfer of security responsibilities to the Somali Security Forces
(SSF), in line with United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 2568 (2021), 2628 (2022),
2670 (2022) and the Somali Transition Plan.

4 The first AM taking the form of a general programme for support to the African Union in the second half of 2021
(AM/GP-AU 2021) was adopted on 22 July 2021, with a financial reference amount of EUR 130,000,000.00 (decision
(EU) 2021/1210).
5 Including to increase appropriations for the third support package to the Somali National Army (SNA III).

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UNSCR 2628 (2022) reemphasised the objective of enabling the SSF, through support from ATMIS,
to progressively take the lead on the provision of security, and to take full responsibility by the end
of 2024.
UNSCR 2670 (2022) authorised a delay in the drawdown of 2,000 ATMIS troops by six months,
until 30 June 2023, as requested by the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), with the support of
the AU Peace and Security Council (AU PSC).
On 27 June 2023, the UNSC adopted UNSCR 2687 (2023) and called on the FGS to continue working
with the AU, UN, EU and bilateral partners to expedite the development of its sovereign capabilities
necessary to gradually take over security responsibilities from ATMIS, and to enable greater Somali
ownership and responsibility in preparation for the exit of ATMIS and scaling-back of the United
Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).
Furthermore, on 15 November 2023, the UNSC through UNSCR 2710 (2023) further extended its
authorisation of ATMIS until 30 June 2024. It also authorised the Member States of the AU to deploy
up to 17,626 uniformed personnel, inclusive of 1,040 police personnel, to ATMIS until 31 December
2023, and to complete the Phase 2 drawdown of 3,000 ATMIS personnel by this date.  It also
authorised the Member States of the AU to deploy up to 14,626 uniformed personnel, inclusive of
1,040 police personnel,  from 1 January 2024 until 30 June 2024 and to complete the Phase 3
drawdown of 4,000 ATMIS personnel by the latter date.
Operational aspects
DELETED

In parallel to the EPF support to the military component of ATMIS, support to the Mission’s civilian
and police components for 2023-2024  continues to be provided from remaining funds under the
African Peace Facility (APF) Action Programme 2019-2020.
Financial aspects
DELETED

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Arrangement with the beneficiary and related monitoring and controls
A letter from the HR to AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador
Bankole Adeoye outlining the conditions attached to the 2023 support (the beneficiary arrangement)
received a positive reply on 29 May 2023.
In 2023, two monitoring visits were executed to sustain awareness on the context and the respect for
the conditions established for the action. They entailed exchanges with the ATMIS military command
focusing on the state of play of the Somali National Army (SNA), and on the drawdown plans of
ATMIS.

1.1.2.  Support to the Somali National Army (SNA)

Political aspects
In addition to previous support decided in 2021, on 2 March 2023, the PSC approved a second action
in support of the SNA amounting to EUR 25,000,000.00 under the AM/GP-AU 2022-2024. A EUR
4,000,000.00 top-up to this package of support was agreed by the PSC on 10 October 2023. The top-
up is set to be financed with the remaining funds from the suspended AM Mali 2021.
The action aims at further building the capacities of the SNA and contributing to the gradual handover
of security responsibilities from AMISOM/ATMIS to the SSF, in line with UNSCR 2568 (2021),
2628 (2022), 2670 (2022), 2687 (2023), 2710 (2023) and the Somali Transition Plan.
Operational aspects
DELETED

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1.1.3.  Support to the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) against Boko Haram

Political aspects
Following previous support decided in 2021 and 2022 (MNJTF I), on 18 January 2023, the PSC
agreed to provide additional EUR 80,000,000.00 under the AM/GP-AU 2022-2024 over a two year-
period (2023/2024) to support the Multi-National Joint Task Force against Boko Haram in the
implementation of its mandate (MNJTF II).
MNJTF II consists of the following components:
1.  component I implemented by the AUC: this component allows for the continuation of EPF
assistance concluded on 31 December 2022;
2.  component II builds on the APF support provided to the MNJTF through COGINTA (STAB-
LAC project) until December 2023 to start once the current support under the APF ends.
The EU is considered to be an important partner of the Force and its support is crucial to ensure the
fulfilment of the MNJTF’s mandate. It also contributes, de facto, to the implementation of the
recovery and stabilisation strategy for the Lake Chad Basin. In particular, EU support, through the
EPF and the APF, has contributed to strengthening MNJTF’s capacities, notably in the following
areas: Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance; protection of troops during operations; medical
support; nautical, aerial and ground mobility.
As a result of the coup in Niger in July 2023, in line with the relevant AU instruments, the AU PSC
decided to suspend the participation of Niger in all activities of the AU and its organs and institutions
until the effective restoration of constitutional order in the country. Consequently, all MNJTF
operations in sector 4 in Niger’s Diffa region have been suspended as well.
Operational aspects
DELETED

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DELETED

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1.1.4.  Support to the G5 Sahel Joint Force (G5SJF)

Political aspects
On 15 December 2021, the PSC approved an action in support of the G5 Sahel Joint Force (G5SJF)
under the AM/GP-AU 2021 amounting to EUR 35,000,000.00 for the period of 1 January 2022 to30
June 2024.
The approved action aims at enhancing two main lines of effort: i) contribute to strengthening the
resilience of the G5SJF; ii) contribute to increasing capacities to ensure maintenance of equipment
with a view to ensuring its sustainability.

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On 30 April 2022, the PSC decided to temporarily and reversibly suspend the EPF support to the
Malian battalions of the G5SJF. Furthermore, as a result of the coup in Niger in July 2023 and due to
the volatile political climate in Burkina Faso, EPF support to the Nigerien and Burkinabe battalions
of the G5SJF has also been suspended.
On 6 December 2023, following the announcement of Burkina Faso and Niger on their withdrawal
from the G5S, Mauritania and Chad have paved the way for a dissolution of the G5S.
Operational aspects
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Financial aspects
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Arrangement with the beneficiary and related monitoring and controls
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1.1.5.  Support to the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM)

Political aspects
On 8 December 2022, the PSC approved an action in support of the Southern African Development
Community (SADC) Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM)6 amounting to EUR 15,000,000.00 under
5F
the AM/GP-AU 2022-2024.
The action supports the provision of equipment not designed to deliver lethal force to support the
military component of SAMIM, including mobility assets, technological devices and medical
equipment, as well as an infrastructure component to improve two forward-operating bases (FOBs).
Since the deployment of SAMIM and of the Rwanda Defence Force in July 2021, the security
situation in Cabo Delgado has significantly improved DELETED

6 10 of SADC’s 16 Member States are contributing personnel to SAMIM: Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic
of the Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, with Botswana, Lesotho, South
Africa and Tanzania providing combat troops.

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DELETED                   . 2023 was reportedly the least violent year in
the area since the insurgency began in 2017.
The current mandate of SAMIM is set to expire in July 2024. By 31 December 2023, discussions at
the level of SADC Headquarters on a possible phased withdrawal of the force were ongoing.
DELETED

Operational aspects
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Financial aspects
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1.2. Bilateral Assistance Measures in Africa

1.2.1.  Assistance measure to support the Armed Forces of the Republic of Mali in conjunction
with the EU Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali)

Political aspects
Following the changes of the political landscape, on 30 May 2023, the PSC agreed on the EEAS
proposal to fully suspend this measure before its implementation started.
The PSC invited the EPF Committee to consider a transfer of EUR 21,600,000.007 in the budget from
6F
the AM Mali 2021 to one or more other AMs based on the priorities outlined in the relevant EPF
Strategic Orientation.
Operational aspects
DELETED

Financial aspects
DELETED

1.2.2.  Assistance measure to support military units trained by the EU Training Mission in
Mozambique (EUTM Mozambique)

Political aspects
Following the establishment of EUTM Mozambique on 12 July 2021, the Council approved an urgent
measure of EUR 4,000,000.00 on 30 July 2021, and on 19 November 2021 adopted Decision (CFSP)
2021/2032 establishing an AM of EUR 40,000,000.00 to support five military units trained by EUTM
Mozambique. On 21 April 2022, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2022/668 to increase the
reference amount of the AM by EUR 45,000,000.00 to address the needs of all eleven units to be
trained. Total support to Mozambique under this AM and the urgent measure equals EUR
89,000,000.00.
This support allows the aforementioned units to develop the necessary and sustainable capacities to
restore safety and security in Mozambique’s northern Cabo Delgado province, thereby enabling the
presence of accountable law enforcement agencies in order to protect the civilian population, and the
return of accountable State structures delivering their services across Cabo Delgado. Equipment is
provided exclusively to units trained by EUTM Mozambique.

7 Carry-over of the funds collected in 2021.

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PSC is set to discuss the Strategic Review of EUTM Mozambique early 2024. The outcome of this
discussion will need to be taken into account when considering the relevance of providing possible
further EPF support.
The AM benefiting military units trained by EUTM Mozambique is complemented by support to the
SAMIM (see section 1.1.5.) and support to the Rwandan deployment in Mozambique (see section
1.2.3.).
Operational aspects
Urgent measure
DELETED

Assistance Measure
The AM is implemented by the Portuguese Ministry of Defence (MoD). Bilaterally, the Portuguese
MoD concluded a partnership agreement with COGINTA for the implementation of this AM.
Deliveries started in May 2023. The latest estimates shared by the Portuguese MoD indicate that the
deliveries of equipment under the AM will only be finalised in the second semester 2024, in part due
to the staggered delivery of some boats and difficulties experienced with subcontractors.
Compared  to  the  initial  planning,  lengthy  discussions  at  the  outset  of  the  assistance  measure  on
technical specifications and procurement challenges have led to delays. This caused a disconnect
between the provision of equipment and the objectives and timelines of EUTM Mozambique, and
had a negative impact on the morale of the troops during the trainings, preventing the deployment of
the EUTM-trained companies to Cabo Delgado.
On the occasion of the second Steering Committee  in March 2023,  the  administrator  for  AMs
conducted an operational monitoring mission to analyse the progress made under the AM directly on
the ground. Key findings emerging from the discussions with EUTM and the Mozambican Armed
Forces  were related to the lack of resources,  but also the absence of established capacities
(infrastructures, logistics and expertise) to ensure  appropriate  storage  and maintenance of the
equipment provided.
Financial aspects
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Arrangement with the beneficiary and related monitoring and controls
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1.2.3.  Assistance Measure to support the deployment of the Rwanda Defence Force in
Mozambique

Political aspects
On 1 December 2022, the Council adopted Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/2354 on an AM to support
the deployment of the Rwanda Defence Force  (RDF)  in Mozambique  with a financial reference
amount of EUR 20,000,000.00.
DELETED

The objective of the AM is to support the costs generated by continued deployment of units of the
RDF in Mozambique’s northern province of Cabo Delgado in order to extend, protect and sustain the
territorial and tactical gains they have made so far. This should ensure the security and the protection
of the civilian population in Mozambique’s northern provinces and facilitate the return of law
enforcement agencies and of other accountable state structures that deliver services for the benefit of
the population.
The support provided under this AM is not used for the supply of military equipment or platforms
designed to deliver lethal force, or to pay salaries or allowances of the troops. Instead, it contributes
only  to covering costs related to the acquisition  of individual kits for soldiers and to the air
transportation of troops and equipment associated with RDF operations in Cabo Delgado.
A request for a second phase of the EPF support to the RDF deployment in Mozambique was received
by the HR on 11 September 2023.
Operational aspects
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Financial aspects
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Arrangement with the beneficiary and related monitoring and controls
DELETED
.

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1.2.4.  Assistance Measure to support the Nigerien Armed Forces (MASFAN)

Political aspects
On 18 July 2022, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2022/1236 on an AM to support the Nigerien
Armed Forces, with a financial reference amount of EUR 25,000,000.00.
The objective of the AM is to strengthen the capabilities and resilience of the Nigerien Armed Forces
to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Niger and to better protect the civilian population
notably against the mounting terrorist threat.
To achieve this objective, the AM consists of two components: i) support to the establishment of an
Armed  Forces’  Technicians  Training  Centre  (“Centre  de  formation  des  techniciens  de  l’armée”,
CFTA)  to centralise, strengthen and better structure the operational support capacities of the Nigerien
Armed Forces; ii) support to the Nigerien Armed Forces, notably the “Chef d’État-Major des Armées”
and  the  “Direction  Centrale  du  Génie  Militaire  et  des  Infrastructures”  to  establish  a  forward
operating base in Kolman, Tillabéri region.
Following the coup in Niger in July 2023, the HR decided to provisionally suspend this AM.
Operational aspects
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Financial aspects
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1.2.5.  Assistance Measure to support the Nigerien Armed Forces in conjunction with the EU
Military Partnership Mission in Niger (EUMPM Niger)

On 7 March 2023, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2023/509 for an AM to support the Nigerien
Armed Forces in conjunction with the EUMPM Niger, with a financial reference amount of EUR
40,000,000.00.
The objective of this AM is to enhance the military capacity of the Nigerien Armed Forces with a
view to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Niger, to ensure state control over the
entirety of its territory and to better protect the civilian population against the mounting terrorist
threat.
To achieve this objective, the AM is set to support the development of a signal and command support
battalion (“Bataillon de transmissions et d’appui au commandement”,  BTAC) in Téra, Tillabéri
region. The AM has been conceived in conjunction with EUMPM Niger following the Nigerien
vision: “equip, accommodate and train”.
Following the coup in Niger in July 2023, the HR decided to provisionally suspend this AM.
Operational aspects
DELETED

Financial aspects
DELETED

1.2.6.  Assistance Measure to support the Nigerien Armed Forces with military equipment
designed to deliver lethal force and accompanying Assistance Measure

Political aspects
On 10 June 2023, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2023/1136 on an AM to support the Nigerien
Armed Forces with military equipment designed to deliver lethal force, with a financial reference
amount of EUR 4,702,998.00. On the same day, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2023/1137 on
an AM to finance additional activities that complement the provision of military equipment to the
Nigerien Armed Forces, with a financial reference amount of EUR 297,002.00.
The objective of this AM is to strengthen the operational capacities of the Nigerien Armed Forces by
facilitating the mobility, presence and security of the land forces in the most insecure areas of Niger

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through a more effective air force support. This should enhance Niger’s ability to defend its territorial
integrity and sovereignty and to better protect the civilian population against the mounting terrorist
threat.  The accompanying non-lethal measure has been foreseen to  finance additional activities
related to adequate use, maintenance, storage and monitoring of military equipment.
Following the coup in Niger in July 2023, the HR decided to provisionally suspend this AM.
Operational Aspects
DELETED

Financial Aspects
DELETED

1.2.7.  Assistance Measure to support the Mauritanian Armed Forces

Political aspects
On 1 December 2022, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2022/2355 on an AM to support the
Mauritanian Armed Forces, with a financial reference amount of EUR 12,000,000.00.
The AM has two key objectives: improving the military capacities of two pre-identified battalions of
the Mauritanian Armed Forces (Bataillon des fusiliers marins of Rosso and Bataillon des fusiliers de
l’air), and improving the in situ medical capacities of the Mauritanian Armed Forces on the border
with Mali, Western Sahara and with Algeria (military medical centres in Military Regions 2 and 3)
to better respond to the security threats Mauritania and the region are facing. The support consists in
the provision of light boats, individual protective equipment and medical equipment.
Operational aspects
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Financial aspects
DELETED

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An EEAS monitoring visit took place in February 2023. It aimed at increasing situational awareness
on the end-users, and making relevant stakeholders aware of the commitments and related monitoring.

1.2.8.  Assistance Measure to support the Ghana Armed Forces

Political aspects
On 10 July 2023, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2023/1440 on an AM to support the Ghana
Armed Forces, with a financial reference amount of EUR 8,250,000.00.
The measure will strengthen the operational capabilities of the military units deployed in the northern
part of the country to fight armed groups, counteract and reduce their opportunities to commit terrorist
attacks. Through this AM, the EU will provide relevant non-lethal equipment, such as imagery,
engineering, and explosive ordnance disposal equipment to reinforce the security of the armed forces
and their capacity to conduct security operations.
DELETED

Operational aspects
DELETED

Financial aspects
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1.2.9.  Assistance Measure to support the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the
Congo

Political aspects
On 20 July 2023, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2023/1518 on an AM to support the Armed
Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with a financial reference amount of EUR
20,000,000.00.
Through this AM, the EU will provide basic, non-lethal individual equipment, such as commando
kits, first aid kits and clothing, and collective equipment, such as counter-IED kits, vehicles and
radios, DELETED

Operational aspects
DELETED

Financial aspects
DELETED

1.2.10. Assistance Measure to support the Beninese Armed Forces

Political aspects
On 25 September 2023, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2023/2062 on an AM to support the
Beninese Armed Forces, with a financial reference amount of EUR 11,750,000.00.
Through this AM, the EU will provide Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance  aircraft
and Unmanned Air Systems, including spare parts and maintenance training. The measure will, in
particular, focus on supporting the Operation Mirador deployed in the northern parts of Benin since
2022.

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Operational aspects
DELETED

Financial aspects
DELETED

1.2.11. Assistance Measure  to support the Somali National Army with military equipment
designed to deliver lethal force

Political aspects
On 27 November 2023, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2023/2680 on an AM to support the
Somali National Army (SNA)  with military equipment  designed to deliver lethal force,  with  a
financial reference amount of EUR 1,000,000.00.
The objective of the AM is to strengthen  the capacity of the SNA  to be trained at the General
Dhagabadan Training Centre, with a view to restore safety and security in the country, and protect
the civilian population. Through this measure, the EU will provide ammunition that will be used
solely for training the SNA personnel in conjunction with EUTM-S.
Operational aspects
DELETED

Financial aspects
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1.2.12. Assistance Measure to support military actors and navies of coastal states involved in
maritime security operations in the Gulf of Guinea

Political aspects
On  27 November  2023, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2023/2682  on an AM to support
military actors and navies of coastal states involved in maritime security operations in the Gulf of
Guinea, with a financial reference amount of EUR 21,000,000.00.
The AM will support the Yaoundé Architecture and strengthen the capacities of Ghana and Cameroon
to patrol the high seas. Through this AM, the EU will provide Intelligence, Surveillance and
Reconnaissance services to the Yaoundé Architecture to allow the provision of a recognised maritime
picture, and non-lethal equipment to the navies of Ghana and Cameroon, such as rigid hull inflatable
boats, intervention speed boats, engines, light naval rotary unmanned air vehicles, marine generators
for ships and scuba diving equipment.
The AM seeks to complement the EU-initiated Coordinated Maritime Presence in the Gulf of Guinea,
and, in line with EU’s ambition to act as a reliable security partner in the Gulf of Guinea, it will also
complement the newly established CSDP initiative in support of the land force of Western Africa’s
coastal states.
Operational aspects
DELETED

Financial aspects
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2.  State of play of Assistance Measures in the Eastern Neighbourhood
2.1. Assistance measure to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces (2021)

Political aspects
On  2  December  2021,  the  Council  adopted  Decision  (EU)  2021/2135  on  an  AM  to  support  the
Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF), with a financial reference amount of EUR 31,000,000.00, to support
the build-up of the capabilities of the UAF in the i) medical, ii) engineering (including demining
equipment), and iii) mobility/logistic branches, as well as iv) cyber defence.
DELETED

Operational aspects
DELETED

Financial aspects
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2.2. Assistance measures to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces (2022)

Political aspects
In response to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression of Ukraine and following the
Ukrainian request of 25 February 2022 for urgent assistance, on 28 February 2022, the Council
adopted Decision (CFSP) 2022/338 on an AM for the supply to the UAF of military equipment, and
platforms, designed to deliver lethal force, and Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/339 on an AM to
support the UAF.
Since February 2022, the EU has adopted further six support packages for the delivery of defensive
military equipment to support the UAF: on 23 March 2022, 13 April 2022, 23 May 2022, 21 July
2022, 17 October 2022 and 2 February 2023 for a total amount of EUR 3,600,000,000.008.
7F
DELETED

Operational aspects
DELETED

Financial aspects
DELETED

DELETED

8 Adjusted figure including additional contributions from constructively abstaining MS.

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DELETED

2.4. Assistance Measures accompanying EUMAM Ukraine

Political aspects
On 14 November 2022 and on 2 February 2023, the Council adopted Decisions (CFSP) 2022/2245
and  2023/231  to support the UAF trained by the EU  Military Assistance Mission in support of
Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) DELETED  with a combined financial reference amount of EUR
61,000,000.00.
On 28 November 2023, the Council adopted two amending Decisions to increase financial reference
amounts for both assistance measures by EUR 194,000,000.00 totalling EUR 255,000,000.00 in order
to continue large-scale training of UAF personnel.
DELETED

The objective of the two AMs is to support the capacity building of the UAF in order to allow the
UAF to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine as well as to protect the civilian
population against the ongoing war of aggression instigated by Russia.
In 2023, the AMs  continued  complementing  the training efforts led by EUMAM Ukraine and
financed  the provision by MS of ammunition,  and  other  eligible  military equipment  to meet the
operational requirements of EUMAM Ukraine, as well as services, including transportation, custody,
maintenance and repair of the items made available by MS for training conducted under EUMAM
Ukraine.

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Operational aspects
DELETED

Financial aspects
DELETED

2.5. Assistance Measures to support the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova

Political aspects
Following previous support decided in 2021 and 2022, on 4 May 2023, the Council adopted Decision
(EU) 2023/921 on an AM to support the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova, with a financial
reference amount of EUR 40,000,000.00.
Since the adoption of the 2021 measure, the security situation in the Eastern Neighbourhood has
changed significantly due to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression of Ukraine,
raising the importance of further strengthening the resilience of the Republic of Moldova.
The overall objective of the three AMs is to contribute to strengthening the Moldovan Armed Forces’
(MAF) capacities to enhance national security, stability and resilience in the defence sector, in line
with the EU’s policy on Moldova. The AMs will allow the MAF to enhance operational effectiveness,
accelerate compliance with EU standards and interoperability, and thereby better protect civilians in
crises and emergencies. They  will also strengthen the beneficiary’s capacities with regard to its
participation in military CSDP missions and operations as well as in other multinational operations.
The 2021 AM aims at strengthening  the capacities of the MAF  Military Medical Service and
Engineering Battalion. The 2022 AM aims at strengthening the capacities of the logistics, mobility,
command and control, cyber defence, unmanned aerial reconnaissance and tactical communications
units. The 2023 AM aims at strengthening  the capacities of the air surveillance, mobility and
transportation, logistics, command and control, and cyber defence units.
Operational aspects
DELETED

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Financial aspects
DELETED

2.6. Assistance measures to support the Georgian Defence Forces

Political aspects
Following previous support decided in 2021 and 2022, on 4 May 2023, the Council adopted Decision
(CFSP) 2023/920 on an AM to support the Georgian  Defence  Forces  (GDF),  with a financial
reference amount of EUR 30,000,000.00.
Since the adoption of the 2021 measure, the security situation in the Eastern Neighbourhood has
changed significantly due to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression of Ukraine,
raising the importance of further strengthening the resilience of Georgia.
The overall objective of the three AMs is to contribute to strengthening GDF capacities to enhance
national security, stability and resilience in the defence sector, in line with the EU’s policy on
Georgia. The AMs will allow the GDF to enhance operational effectiveness, accelerate compliance
with EU standards and interoperability, and thereby better protect civilians in crises and emergencies.
It will also strengthen the beneficiary’s capacities with regard to its participation in military CSDP
missions and operations as well as in other multinational operations.
The 2021 AM aims at strengthening GDF capacities in the military medical, engineering and logistics
services of the land force component. The 2022 AM will strengthen the capacities of military medical,
engineering, mobility and cyber defence units.  The 2023 AM will strengthen capacities  in the
engineering, artillery branch mobility, medical, cyber-defence and logistics services.
Operational aspects
DELETED

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DELETED

Financial aspects
DELETED

3.  State of play of Assistance Measures in the Western Balkans

3.1. Assistance measures to enhance the capacity of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and
Herzegovina (AFBiH)

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Political aspects
Following the previous support decided in 2021, on 1 December 2022, the Council adopted Decision
(EU) 2022/2353 on an AM  to  support  capacity  building  for  the  Armed  Forces  of  Bosnia  and
Herzegovina (AFBiH), with a financial reference amount of EUR 10,000,000.00.
The objective of the 2021 AM is to enhance and upgrade the capabilities of the Demining Battalion
of the AFBiH through the provision of transportation vehicles, medical vehicles and metal detectors.
Besides the expected positive impact on the mine situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), this is
an important step to increase the future participation of the AFBiH Demining Battalion in regional
and international operations, including in the framework of the CSDP and the UN.
The objective of the 2022 AM is to improve the security and deployment conditions of the Tactical
Support  Brigade  of  the  AFBiH  as well as upgrade a limited number of operational capabilities,
specifically in Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) as well as defensive and early
warning capabilities. To this end, the AM finances the provision of field equipment, key tools for
military engineering and CBRN materiel.
Both AMs were developed in close cooperation with Operation Althea.
Operational aspects
DELETED

Financial aspects
DELETED

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3.2. Assistance measure to strengthen the capacities of the Balkan Medical Task Force (BMTF)

Political aspects
On 9 June 2022, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2022/906 on an AM to support capacity
building of the BMTF, with a financial reference amount of EUR 6,000,000.00.
The objective of the AM is to enhance the capacities of the medical units of the armed forces of
eligible BMTF Participating Nations, namely Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North
Macedonia and Serbia by procuring the necessary equipment and materiel in order to strengthen the
military medical capabilities of the region with a positive side-effect on civilian relief efforts.
Operational aspects
DELETED

Financial aspects
DELETED

3.3  Assistance measure to strengthen the capacities of the Army of the Republic of North
Macedonia

Political aspects
On 16 March 2023, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2023/599 on an AM to strengthen the
capacities of the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia (ARMK), with a financial reference
amount of EUR 10,000,000.00.
The objective of the AM is to enhance the capacities of ARMK by enhancing and upgrading the
equipment of its light infantry battalion group with the ultimate aim to enable them to contribute to
military CSDP missions and operations. The support includes logistics, medical equipment,
communication and information systems, intelligence capacities, CBRN, engineering and training
equipment.

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Operational aspects
DELETED

Financial aspects
DELETED

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4.  State of play of Assistance Measures in the Southern Neighbourhood

4.1. Assistance Measure to support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF)

Political aspects
On 1 December 2022, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2022/2356 on an AM to support the
Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), with a financial reference amount of EUR 6,000,000.00.
The objective of the AM is to enhance the capabilities and the resilience of the LAF to ensure the
national security and stability of Lebanon, through the enhancement of their military medical
capacities, and the provision of equipment for the LAF’s operational personnel.
To achieve the objective, the AM will finance equipment not designed to deliver lethal force, namely
healthcare equipment to support the military medical services (central and regional centres) and
individual equipment for the logistic brigade.
Operational aspects
DELETED

Financial aspects
DELETED

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4.2.Assistance Measure to support the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF)

Political aspects
On 20 February 2023, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2023/384 on an AM to support the
Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF), with a financial reference amount of EUR 7,000,000.00.
The proposed AM addresses the Government’s priorities to enhance military defence capabilities of
the JAF. The AM is aimed at supporting deployed military units by supplying them with a field
hospital (Role 1), including medevac capacities, engineering equipment to improve operational
infrastructure, Unmanned Air Systems and Counter Unmanned Air Vehicles with the means to
support the deployed units while performing their duties on the ground.
Operational aspects
DELETED

Financial aspects
DELETED

5.  Horizontal activities

5.1. Financial sustainability of the EPF

The political will to continue supporting Ukraine under the EPF, combined with the unquestioned
requirement to maintain and fulfil the Facility’s global geographical ambition, have made an increase
of the EPF overall financial ceiling necessary. Following the first top-up of EUR 2,000,000,000.00
adopted on 13 March 2023, on 26 June 2023, the Council adopted a decision to further increase the
overall financial ceiling of the EPF by EUR 4,061,000,000.00  (in current prices, or EUR
3,500,000,000.00 in 2018 prices). The overall financial ceiling now totals more than EUR
12,000,000,000.00 (in current prices).

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5.2. Safeguards and monitoring

5.2.1.  Beneficiary arrangements
An HR arrangement with a beneficiary is a prerequisite for the implementation of an AM or an action
under the AM/GP-AU. In some cases, delays of the formal acceptance of the conditions by the
beneficiary as well as the defining of the final list of equipment to be mentioned in the Statement on
the End-Use can delay the contracting phase.
5.2.2.  On-site checks and monitoring visits
A standard procedure is to conduct a post-adoption mission by the EEAS, administrator for AMs and
implementing actor following the adoption of an AM or an approval of an action under the AM/GP-
AU, to fine tune with the beneficiary  the  technical  specifications  and work plan for the
implementation  of the AM.  On  this occasion the EEAS also prepares  the ground for safeguards
monitoring DELETED

5.3. Information policy

The EEAS has followed an active information policy providing the Council, the European Parliament,
research centres and local and international NGOs with regular updates on the state of play regarding
the EPF, while respecting the relevant provisions of the CFSP. The  EEAS has received positive
feedback about the information provided.
Civil society actors as well as local and international human rights and humanitarian organisations in
beneficiary countries and in Brussels have been informed on proposals for AM and actions under the
AM/GP-AU, and consulted on the monitoring aspects of the support.
In addition, information on the 2022 EPF activities was included in the 25th EU Annual Report on
Arms Exports, informing on arms sales authorised by MS in 2022, which was published in December
2023.

5.4. Communication activities

In 2023,  the  EEAS provided inputs for press releases on the occasion of adoption of AMs and
approval of actions under the AM/GP-AU 2022-2024. The administrator for AMs and the EEAS have
combined efforts to produce communication and visibility materials on the EPF, especially on the
occasion of deliveries to beneficiary countries and high-level visits. There were a series of deliveries
that were covered with coordinated communication actions (e.g. news items, tweets, graphics, photos
and videos).  A number of media requests were addressed in a coordinated manner via the

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Spokesperson’s service. The EEAS continued to engage bilaterally in outreach to all MS on the EPF.
Finally, a regularly updated EPF factsheet for public use is available on EEAS website and websites
of EU Delegations. Going forward, the EEAS, with the support of the administrator for AMs will
look to increase its engagement on strategic communications activities, pending the necessary
resources.

5.5. Rules on protection of personal data

The EEAS has coordinated with the EPF administrators a drafting exercise for a proposal by the HR
for implementing rules on the processing of personal data under the EPF. The aim of these rules is to
implement Article 70 on Protection of Personal Data of the EPF CD. This work will continue in 2024.

5.6.   Lessons identified

2023 was the first year in which many deliveries under the EPF took place in several beneficiary
countries. Based on an initial assessment, in a number of cases, EPF support has served to strengthen
political and security dialogues with targeted partners. DELETED

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Table 1. An overview of the adopted AMs and approved actions since the EPF’s inception
Assistance Measure
Date of
CD reference
Implementing
Budget

adoption
Actors
(reference
amount)

2021: EUR
Assistance measure taking
2021/1210
130
the form of a general
22 July 2021

million
programme for support to

the African Union

2022-24:
21 April 2022
2022/667
EUR 600
million

21 July 2021

EUR 65
million

African Union Mission in
U
DELETED
Somalia (AMISOM
6 July 2022

EUR 120
million
or A
/ATMIS)

e f
2 March 2023

EUR 85
million
:  m
ca m
17 November

EUR 20
fri gra
2021
million
A ro
Support to the Somali
DELETED
l P
National Army
2 March 2023

EUR 25

million
era
en
10 October 2023

EUR 4
G
million
16 December

EUR 10
2021
DELETED
million
Multi-National Joint Task
Force against Boko Haram

29 March 2022

EUR 10
- MNJTF
million
18 January 2023

DELETED
EUR 80

million

DELETED
G5 Sahel Joint Force 9
15 December
EUR 35
8F
2021

million
Southern African

Development Community
8 December
DELETED
EUR 15
(SADC) Mission in
2022

million
Mozambique (SAMIM)

:

ca
2 December

DELETED
EUR 24
fri teral
Malian Armed Forces / EU
Training Mission in Mali10
9F
2021/2137
A
2021
million
Bila

9 PSC decided to suspend the EPF support to the Malian battalions of the G5SJF.
10 PSC decided to suspend the AM.

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30 July 2021
Concept Note
EUR 4
10547/1/21
million
REV 1 EU-R
Mozambican Armed Forces

DELETED
/ EU Training Mission in

EUR 40
Mozambique
19 November
2021/2032

million
2021

EUR 45
million
21 April 2022
2022/668

Rwanda Defence Force in
1 December
2022/2354
DELETED
EUR 20
Mozambique
2022

million

DELETED
18 July 2022
2022/1226
EUR 25

million

Nigerien Armed Forces 11
DELETED
12
EUR 40
10F
7 March 2023
2023/509

11F

million

2023/1136
DELETED
10 June 2023
EUR 5
2023/1137

million

Armed Forces of the
DELETED
Islamic Republic of
1 December
2022/2355
EUR 12
Mauritania
2022

million

DELETED
Ghana Armed Forces
10 July 2023
2023/1440
EUR 8.25

million

Armed Forces of the

DELETED
Democratic Republic of the
20 July 2023
2023/1518
EUR 20
Congo

million

DELETED
Beninese Armed Forces
25 September
EUR 11.75
2023
2023/2062

million

DELETED
The Somali National Army
27 November
EUR 1
2023
2023/2680

million
GoG Maritime Security

(including the navies of

DELETED
Cameroon and Ghana, as
27 November

EUR 21
well as the Yaoundé
2023

million
Architecture)
2023/2682

11 The HR decided to provisionally suspend all three AMs.
12 In conjunction with the EU Military Partnership Mission in Niger.

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2 December
DELETED
EUR 31
2021
2021/2135

million

28 February
2022/338
2022
2022/339

2022/471
23 March 2022
2022/472

2022/338
13 April 2022
2022/339
od
ho

ur

Ukrainian Armed Forces
DELETED
2022/809
EUR 3.6
eighbo
13
23 May 2022

billion
12F
2022/810

Eastern N

2022/1285
21 July 2022
2022/1284

2022/1971
17 October 2022
2022/1972

2023/230
2 February 2023
2023/229

DELETED
13 April 2023
2023/810
EUR 2 14

billion
13F

13 Under two AMs (lethal and non-lethal).
14 Track 1 and 2 of the three-track ammunition initiative.

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5 May 2023
2023/927

14 November
2022/2245
DELETED
EUR 200
2022
2023/2689

million

2023/231
DELETED
2 February 2023
EUR 55
2023/2677

million

2 December
DELETED
2021
2021/2136
EUR 7

million

Armed Forces of the
DELETED
EUR 40
Republic of Moldova
30 June 2022
2022/1093

million

DELETED
4 May 2023
2023/921
EUR 40

million

2 December

DELETED
EUR 12.75
2021
2021/2134

million

1 December
DELETED
2022/2352
EUR 20
Georgian Defence Forces
2022

million

DELETED
4 May 2023
2023/920
EUR 30
million

4 November
DELETED
2021
2021/1923
EUR 10

million

alkans
Armed Forces of Bosnia
and Herzegovina
B
1 December
DELETED
EUR 10
2022
2022/2353
million
tern

es

W

DELETED
Balkan Medical Task Force
9 June 2022
2022/906
EUR 6

million

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The Army of the Republic
ITF Enhancing
EUR 9
of North Macedonia
16 March 2023
2023/599
Human Security
million

DELETED
od
Lebanese Armed Forces
1 December
EUR 6
2022
2022/2356
million
rn  ho

he ur

ut

So eighbo
20 February
DELETED
EUR 7
N
Jordanian Armed Forces
2023
2023/384
million

___________________

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Document Outline