€13 million from EU’s Peace Facility to support Albanian Armed Forces

The decision to provide €13 million support under the European Peace Facility to the Albanian Armed Forces was adopted on Monday by the Council of the EU. The support will consist of non-lethal equipment and related supplies and services, including technical training. The Albanian Land Force will receive light armoured multipurpose vehicles equipped to provide high mobility and manoeuvrability in all type of terrain and weather conditions and ensure the protection of personnel against light weapons and explosives.

Why is this relevant

The decision strengthens security and defence cooperation between the EU and Albania in security and defense. It reflects Albania’s full alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.

Context

Albania maintains full alignment with all relevant EU decisions and declarations of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, including with the EU’s restrictive measures following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The country participates in EU crisis management missions and operations.

The EU High Representative Borrell presented the decision to support Albania’s Armed Forces as ‘an important milestone in our security and defence cooperation. It also reflects our appreciation for Albania’s full alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, which is a very clear expression of Albania’s strategic choice for a future within the EU. Albania is a reliable security partner.’

The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 as part of EU efforts to take strategic action on defence and increase its capacity to act autonomously. It finances actions to prevent conflicts, preserve peace and strengthen international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third States and regional and international organisations relating to military and defence matters.