Catherine Colonna welcomes the decision of European Peace Facility

ArmInfo. Armenia's access to the European Peace Facility is the culmination of a long-standing French initiative. Thus, former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna responded to the message that the EU Council approved the provision of assistance to Armenia in the amount of 10 million euros through the European Support Instrument.

"I am pleased with the good news that Armenia will have access to the European Peace Facility. This is the culmination of a long-standing French initiative. Congratulations to Stephane Sejournet for achieving the goal of the initiative. France stands with Armenia," Catherine Colonna wrote on her microblog on Twitter (X).

French member of the European Parliament Nathalie Loiseau also responded to this EU decision. "For the first time, the European Union provides support to Armenia through the European Peace Facility. I am happy about this decision, for which I have been fighting for many months," Loiseau wrote on Twitter.  In turn, member of the European Parliament Miriam Lexman welcomed the decisions of the EU Council to begin a dialogue on visa liberalization between the European Union and Armenia and to provide support to Armenia from the EPF.

"Some wise and strategic decisions from the Council at last. I sincerely welcome the strengthening of our bilateral relations with Armenia and support reforms," Lexman noted.

This decision of the EU Council was also welcomed by the foreign ministries of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, the Czech Republic and other countries.

On July 22, the EU Council adopted the first ever assistant measure in support of the Armed Forces of Armenia in the amount of 10 million euros through the European Peace Facility(EPF).  The purpose of this support measure is to enhance the logistical capacities of the Armenian Armed Forces, as well as to contribute to improved protection of civilians in crisis and emergency situations. It also aims to enhance Armenia's resilience and promote interoperability of its Armed Forces in the event of the country's possible future participation in international military missions and operations, including those deployed by the EU. Specifically, the adopted measure of assistance will allow the provision of fully- fledged deployable tent camp for a battalion-sized unit. The European Commission noted that the support accepted today will be provided within the framework of the EU's partnership with Armenia, based on common values and aimed at promoting peace, stability and prosperity in Armenia and the South Caucasus.  The European Peace Facility was created in March 2021 to finance actions within the framework of the common foreign and security policy aimed at preventing conflict, preserving peace and strengthening international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Fund allows the EU to finance actions aimed at strengthening the capacity of third states, as well as regional and international organizations related to military and defense issues.

The EU Council also gave the green light to start a dialogue on visa liberalization with Armenia.