European Peace Facility

July 22, 2023

Recently, the European Council adopted a significant assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF). With a worth of €20 million, this initiative aims to provide vital support to the 31st Rapid Reaction Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) in Eastern DRC.

An Overview of European Peace Facility (EPF)

The European Peace Facility (EPF) is an off-budget funding mechanism for EU actions with military and defence implications.
It has a total budget of over EUR 12 billion for 2021-2027 and comprises two pillars – one for military operations and one for assistance measures.
The EPF is managed under the direction of a Facility Committee and provides military equipment and training to enhance partners’ security and defence capacity while ensuring compliance with human rights and international law.
The EPF plays a crucial role in supporting the capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces against Russian aggression.
The European Commission serves as the administrator for assistance measures through its Service for Foreign Policy Instruments.

Supporting the Armed Forces: European Peace Facility

The European Peace Facility (EPF) stands as a critical mechanism designed to finance Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) actions in military and defence areas. It was established to foster international security and stability while preventing conflicts and preserving peace across regions facing armed conflicts and instability.

Empowering the FARDC: €20 Million Assistance Measure

The Council’s adoption of the assistance measure as part of the EPF will strengthen the capacities of the 31st Rapid Reaction Brigade of the FARDC. This support is set to bolster the brigade’s capabilities and resilience in their endeavors to address security challenges and maintain peace in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Implementing the Support: Belgium’s Ministry of Defence

Belgium’s Ministry of Defence has been entrusted with the crucial responsibility of implementing the support provided by the European Peace Facility. Leveraging its own armed forces, Belgium is already actively involved in training the brigade, and this additional assistance will further elevate the brigade’s operational readiness.

Provision of Essential Equipment

The EU’s assistance measure will encompass the provision of non-lethal individual equipment and collective equipment to the 31st Rapid Reaction Brigade. The non-lethal individual equipment will include commando kits, first aid materials, and clothing, while collective equipment will consist of counter-IED kits, vehicles, and radios. These essential supplies will bolster the brigade’s capacity to respond effectively to security challenges in the region.

Promoting Responsible Usage: Monitoring Measures

To ensure the effective use of the assistance and respect for human rights and international humanitarian law, the EPF’s assistance measure encompasses a set of stringent monitoring measures. These measures include controls, safeguards, and a rigorous monitoring framework to guarantee the appropriate utilization of the equipment and aid provided.

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