Jan 10, 2024. Posted by Balkan Periscope - Hellas
Defense
Minister Slavjanka Petrovska and director at Slovenian organization ITF
Enhancing Human Security, Tomaž Lovrenčič signed a memorandum of understanding
on Wednesday for the first bilateral project between North Macedonia and the
European Peace Facility (EPF).
The donation of EUR 9 million to the Army of North Macedonia will be used to purchase equipment for the light infantry battalion group.
"Funds
will be used to purchase logistics and medical equipment, communication and
information systems, intelligence capacities, engineering and training
equipment," Minister Petrovska said.
According
to the memorandum, the army Chief of Staff was also consulted during the
purchase of equipment that will be realized by ITF in order to meet country's
need and highest NATO standards.
EU
Ambassador David Geer emphasized that within the frameworks of the defense
sector at EPF, EU will provide EUR 9 million to the Army.
"I
think this is one of the first contributions made by EPF in addition to our
support for Ukraine. By promoting the non-lethal equipment on the infantry
battalion group list, we will help the Army become more agile and increase its
involvement in peace operations within the frameworks of the joint and foreign
defense policies," Geer said.
ITF
Director Tomaž Lovrenčič said that they were eagerly waiting to cooperate with
the Defense Ministry in terms of the donation and planned activities.
"Activities
have already begun and in the next year and a half we will see the outcome of
the procurement process and delivery, which I believe will illustrate EU's
commitment and accession policy, as well as its foreign policy in terms of
strengthening partnership with North Macedonia," Lovrenčič highlighted,
adding that it is the first time this instrument is presented in the region,
and will be an example for others to follow suit.
When asked
about the Defense Ministry’s achievements in terms of such collaborations and
access to aid from EU for reforms, including the entire state and institutions
in view of the frequent criticism, Geer said that the European Commission’s
report that was published in November of last year, noted that there is good
progress in terms of joint security and foreign policies.
"I think that it was one of the most positive aspects from the report, which means that we will continue supporting reforms in this area. This support today is not a one-time thing, we see it as a long-term relationship in terms of improving the country's defense capacities, as a key partner within EU and NATO," Geer stressed.
In response
to the same question, Petrovska said that this confirms the country's strategic
goal - EU membership. She also highlighted that the European Commission
assessed a good level of progress in terms of the country's compliance with
EU's common foreign and security policies, which was also confirmed with the
bilateral screening on this chapter.
The Defense
Ministry is expecting to present to the Government the draft-plan for reforming
the crisis management system - civil protection, while the law on critical
infrastructure is in the final stages of consultation. This, Petrovska
stressed, is only part of the reforms that are being implemented.
MIA