Brussels, 25 April 2025 (MIA) - The EU Council adopted Friday an assistance measure worth EUR 15 million under the European Peace Facility (EPF), with the objective of strengthening the defence capacities and capabilities of the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia, and its operational readiness, MIA reports from Brussels.

"Today, we have agreed to provide North Macedonia with an additional EUR 15 million worth of EU support for its army. This will include everything from equipment for intelligence gathering and surveillance, to combat training equipment. 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 EUR 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," said Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

The decision complements the support provided so far under the 2023 and 2024 bilateral support packages, bringing EPF bilateral support to North Macedonia up to EUR 38 million to date. The new assistance measure will also enhance North Macedonia’s potential to contribute to the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operations and missions and to any international coalitions, the Council said in a press release.

It adds that the decision demonstrates the continued engagement with North Macedonia in the area of security and defence domain, also in light of the signature of the security and defence partnership between the EU and North Macedonia last November, and reflects the country’s full alignment with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy.

The European Peace Facility will provide the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia with equipment related to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and electronic warfare; utility and engineering vehicles; communication and information systems; as well as combat training equipment. It will also provide, where needed, related supplies and services, including operational training, reads the press release.

MIA file photo