The European Council approved another financial assistance package for Georgia within the European Peace Facility (EPF) framework. The aid worth 20 million euros is aimed at strengthening the country's defense capabilities. It will promote Georgia's active cooperation with the European Union within the framework of the Common Defense and Security Policy (CSDP), the press service of the Ministry of Defense reports.
"Georgia received EU financial aid for defense and security for the second time. In 2021, Georgia was one of the first countries to receive EPF. This fact once again demonstrates that for the EU, Georgia is the most important and reliable partner in the region and exists on both sides in the field of defense and security. Strong interest in deepening cooperation, including increasing resilience to various hybrid threats. This year, for the first time, the European peace instrument will provide support to Georgia in the field of cyber security. Also, the aid package will be aimed at strengthening military-medical, military-engineering, and transport capabilities.
This important decision once again confirms the dynamism of Georgia-EU cooperation and makes it clear that the security dimension is one of the critical areas of the bilateral agenda. The European Union continues to be actively involved in the process of promoting peace and stability in Georgia, with strong support for the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders," says the press release.
The head of the EU representation in Georgia, Ambassador Pavel Herchinsky, argued that "the EU supports Georgia's resilience by strengthening national security, stability, and sustainability in the field of defense, including through peace instruments." "This will help to strengthen the capabilities of the Georgian Defense Forces and will be used in the areas of military-medical, engineering, mobility, and cyber security by providing, stockpiling, and consumption of relevant non-lethal weapons, as well as the equipment needed for training," he said.
