Moldova in the Framework of European Peace Facility

Abstract

In 2021, EU established EPF via Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/509 as a means to preserve peace, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security. EPF is used for the financing of EU operations and missions with military or defense implications and of assistance measures. Specifically, those measures aim to strengthen the capacities of third states and regional and international organizations relating to military and defense matters as well as support the military aspects of peace support operations led by third states or the aforementioned organizations. Till 2024 EPF’s budget has seen a tremendous increase of 99,9% which is implicitly related with the war in Ukraine. Hereto, EU has provided to Ukraine under the EPF €6,1 billion to address Ukraine's pressing military and defense needs. Moldova is a beneficiary of the EPF having received until today a series of assistance measures in support of its armed forces. Hence, since its entry to EPF Moldova was provided with up to €197 million as a means to modernize its short-range air defense capabilities. The purpose of this article is to analyze the institutional functioning of EPF as well as evaluate EPF assistance in case of Moldova as a candidate country of the EU.