(1)

In accordance with Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/509 (1), a European Peace Facility (EPF) was established for the financing by Member States of Union actions under the common foreign and security policy (CFSP) to preserve peace, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security in accordance with Article 21(2), point (c), of the Treaty. In particular, pursuant to Article 1(2), point (b)(i), of Decision (CFSP) 2021/509, the EPF can finance actions to strengthen the capacities of third States and regional and international organisations relating to military and defence matters.

(2)

The Balkan Medical Task Force (BMTF) was set up as a regional initiative bringing together six Western Balkan countries, namely Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia, with the aim of providing a quick and effective response to disaster-struck countries or regions by using already existing military medical capacities of participating nations. Each of the six participating nations take over the role of ‘Framework Nation’ on a two-year rotating basis. North Macedonia covers that role for the period from June 2020 until June 2022. In the second half of 2021, the organisation introduced new internal rules allowing longer-term deployment in support of missions and operations, including as part of common security and defence policy (CSDP) missions and operations outside the Western Balkans.

(3)

By equipping the medical units of the non-EU Armed Forces participating in the BMTF with the needed equipment and material, the Union would strengthen the military medical capabilities of the Western Balkan countries involved and reinforce a multinational military medical unit that could potentially support military aspects of peace operations beyond the region, and contribute to achieving NATO capability targets and partnership goals under Partnership for Peace (PfP).

(4)

This assistance measure should also strengthen the Western Balkans’ ability to respond to crises and increase the region’s resilience, thus ultimately contributing to regional stability, and enabling the countries in the region to better protect their populations. It should contribute to regional cooperation and cohesion, and promote good neighbourly relations in the Western Balkans.

(5)

In his letter of 18 April 2022 addressed to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (the ‘High Representative’), the Minister of Defence of the Republic of North Macedonia, on behalf of the BMTF, requested the Union to support the BMTF with the procurement of key equipment to strengthen the capacity of its medical units.

(6)

In line with the Council’s conclusions on the EPF, this assistance measure would empower the BMTF non-EU participating nations to respond autonomously to crises. By bringing together five Western Balkans countries, this assistance measure would also feed into the broader goals of CFSP/CSDP in the region, such as promoting regional cooperation and dialogue.

(7)

Upon completion of this assistance measure, the High Representative will conduct an evaluation of its impact and of the management and use of the equipment provided. This exercise will lead to a lessons-learned process, which aims at assessing the effectiveness of the assistance measure and its consistency with the overall Union strategy and policies in the beneficiary country.

(8)

Assistance measures are to be implemented in accordance with the principles and requirements set out in Decision (CFSP) 2021/509, and, in particular, in compliance with Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (2), and in accordance with the rules for the implementation of revenue and expenditure financed under the EPF.

(9)

The Council reaffirms its determination to protect, promote and fulfil human rights, fundamental freedoms and democratic principles and to strengthen the rule of law and good governance, in compliance with the United Nations Charter, with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and with international law, in particular international human rights and international humanitarian law,