Today the Council adopted two assistance measures under the European Peace Facility (EPF) in support of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova and the Ghana Armed Forces, with the objective of enhancing national security, stability and resilience in the defence sector. Republic of MoldovaThe adopted measure is worth €41 million over a period of 40 months and will finance the provision of non-lethal equipment in the following areas: mobility, air surveillance, electronic warfare, and logistics equipment. Building on previous EPF support, the assistance measure aims to allow the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova to enhance operational effectiveness, accelerate compliance with EU standards and interoperability, and thereby better protect civilians in crises and emergencies. It also aims to strengthen the Republic of Moldova’s capacities with respect to its participation in EU military Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operations. The measure was requested by the Republic of Moldova on 5 February 2023, and will complement other assistance measures adopted in May 2023, June 2022 and December 2021. The EU is committed to provide all relevant support to Moldova in addressing the challenges it faces as a consequence of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and to strengthen the country’s resilience, security and stability in the face of destabilising activities by Russia. GhanaThe measure adopted by the Council today is worth €25 million over a period of 36 months. It will enhance the capabilities of the Ghana Armed Forces to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country and its civilian population. Thanks to this support, the EU will provide key non-lethal equipment in the following fields: medical, military engineering, defence intelligence, electronic warfare systems, explosive ordnance disposal, as well as targeted education activities in the field of military logistics knowledge. This measure was requested by Ghana on 12 December 2023, and will complement two other assistance measures adopted in July 2023 and November 2023, currently under implementation. The delivery of military equipment to Ghana is part of the EU’s integrated approach to respond to the deteriorating security conditions in the northern regions of the coastal countries of the Gulf of Guinea, which combines various tools, including development assistance and support to governance, aimed at preventing and combatting violent extremism. It also complements the newly launched CSDP initiative (EU Security and Defence initiative for the Gulf of Guinea), contributing to peace and stability within the region. Background The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 to finance all Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) actions in the areas of military and defence, with the aim of preventing conflict, preserving peace and strengthening international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of non-EU countries and regional and international organisations relating to military and defence matters. Other beneficiaries have been among others Ukraine, Georgia, the African Union, Niger, Mozambique, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Mali. | 
