EU approves additional EUR 15 million support for North Macedonia’s army under European Peace Facility

This new measure builds on previous bilateral support packages provided in 2023 and 2024, bringing the total EPF assistance to North Macedonia to €38 million. The enhanced support will also improve North Macedonia’s ability to contribute to EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operations, missions, and international coalitions.

Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council, stated: “Today we have agreed to provide North Macedonia with an additional €15 million worth of EU support for its army. This will include everything from equipment for intelligence gathering and surveillance, to combat training equipment.”

Kallas further emphasised the importance of this partnership by adding: “Our support will help North Macedonia contribute to regional stability and security, which is not only important for the Western Balkans but also for the EU. In addition to the total of €38 million the EU has now provided to North Macedonia for conflict prevention and strengthening regional stability, the EU is fully behind North Macedonia’s path towards EU Membership and I look forward to my first visit next month to discuss our common agenda further.”

Today’s decision highlights the EU’s ongoing engagement with North Macedonia in the security and defence domain, following the signature of the security and defence partnership between the EU and North Macedonia in November. It also reflects North Macedonia’s full alignment with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy.

Under this assistance measure, the European Peace Facility will provide the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment, electronic warfare systems, utility and engineering vehicles, communication and information systems, and combat training equipment. Where needed, related supplies and operational training services will also be included.

The European Peace Facility, established in March 2021, finances actions under the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy aimed at conflict prevention, peace preservation, and the strengthening of international security and stability. It enables the EU to support third states and regional and international organisations in military and defence matters.

Source: Council of the European Union.