European Peace Facility: Council approves 10 million euros for the Balkan Medical Task Force

The Council on Friday approved an assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF) worth 10 million euros to strengthen the operational capabilities and readiness of the Balkan Medical Task Force (BMTF).

The BMTF brings together the military medical capabilities of regional partners to provide military medical support for international operations. The EPF assistance measure will also strengthen the BMTF’s capacity to protect the civilian population in the event of natural or man-made disasters. The BMTF already takes part in military exercises to train its personnel and strengthen its operational readiness and interoperability, and is a tangible example of regional cooperation in the defence sphere.

This decision underlines the EU’s and the Member States’ continued commitment to the Western Balkans partners on security and defence. By strengthening support from the European Peace Facility for the Task Force and the region, it reflects our shared determination to increase regional security, stability and resilience. The BMTF and the armed forces of the contributing partners will receive field hospital equipment, military medical vehicles and communications and information systems, and, where necessary, related supplies and services, including technical training.

This new action brings the EU’s overall support for the BMTF to 16 million euros under the European Peace Facility.

The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 to finance actions under the common foreign and security policy to prevent conflicts, preserve peace and strengthen international security and stability. In particular, the EPF allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third states and regional and international organisations in military and defence matters.