Papikyan thanks EU and its member states for the decision to support Armenia

ArmInfo. Armenian Defense  Minister Suren Papikyan expressed gratitude to the European Union and  EU member states for the decision to provide assistance to Armenia  under the European Peace Facility.  

"This partnership effort, grounds in mutual trust and shared  interests between Armenia and the EU, aims to strengthen Armenia's  defence capabilities. I am confident that this initiative will give a  new charge to closer cooperation with our partner EU member countries  in both bilateral and multilateral formats," Papikyan wrote on his  Twitter account (X).  

The EU Council adopted the first ever aid measure in support of the  Armenian Armed Forces in the amount of 10 million euros through the  European Peace Fund (EPF). 

 The purpose of this assistance measure is to increase the material  and technical potential of the Armenian Armed Forces, as well as to  contribute to improving the protection of civilians in crisis and  emergency situations. It also aims to enhance Armenia's resilience  and promote interoperability of its Armed Forces in the event of the  country's possible future participation in international military  missions and operations, including those deployed by the EU.  Specifically, the adopted measure of assistance will ensure the full  deployment of a tent camp for a battalion unit. The European  Commission noted that the support accepted today will be provided  within the framework of the EU's partnership with Armenia, which is  based on common values and aimed at promoting peace, stability and  prosperity in Armenia and the South Caucasus.  

The European Peace Facility was created in March 2021 to finance  actions within the framework of the common foreign and security  policy aimed at preventing conflict, preserving peace and  strengthening international security and stability. In particular,  the European Peace Fund allows the EU to finance actions aimed at  strengthening the capacity of third states, as well as regional and  international organizations related to military and defense issues.