As of 22 March the EU is equipped with a new financial instrument that will cover all its external actions that have military or defence implications under the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). The European Council has adopted a decision establishing the European Peace Facility (EPF), an off-budget fund worth approximately €5 billion for the period 2021-2027, to be financed through contributions from EU member states.

The ultimate aim of the EPF is to enhance the EU’s ability to prevent conflict, preserve peace and strengthen international stability and security. It will do so by allowing the EU to better help partner countries, either by supporting their peace-keeping operations or by helping increase the capability of their armed forces to ensure peace and security on their national territory, as well as through broader actions of a military/defence nature in support of CFSP objectives.

The facility will allow the EU, for the first time, to complement the activities of its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operations in host countries with assistance measures. These measures may include supplying military and defence related equipment, infrastructure or assistance, at the request of third countries or regional or international organisations. The assistance measures will be embedded in a clear and coherent political strategy and will be accompanied by thorough risk assessments and strong safeguards.

The new facility is part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to the financing of external action, which aims to shape a coherent, comprehensive and coherent EU security policy and create synergies with other policies and instruments, such as the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI-Global Europe), including its Capacity Building for Security and Development dimension.

The European Peace facility enters into force on the day of its adoption.

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Press release

European Peace Facility – Investing in Peace and Security (factsheet, EEAS)

Questions & Answers: The European Peace Facility (EEAS)

Questions and answers on the European Peace Facility’s Integrated Methodological Framework (EEAS)