Armenia to Receive €10 Million from EU Peace Facility as Hungary Lifts Blockade

Armenia will receive €10 million from the European Union's Peace Facility for the first time this year, following Hungary's lifting of the blockade on this aid, diplomatic sources from the EU have informed Azatutyun.

According to the same sources, "All member countries of the Union are now prepared to give the green light, and it is expected that the project will first be approved on July 17 during a meeting of ambassadors from member states, and then on July 22 at a meeting of foreign ministers." Earlier, in April, Hungary had vetoed the project, demanding that Azerbaijan also receive assistance from the EU Peace Facility. Sources from Azatutyun indicate that Budapest's proposal was not accepted; however, a compromise has been reached where funds will be allocated to Baku not from this facility, but separately for demining operations.

Amid ongoing negotiations behind the scenes, Armenia's Foreign Minister visited Hungary in May, expressing hope that Budapest, which will assume the presidency of the EU from July until the end of the year, would not obstruct Armenia's deepening ties with Brussels. "We are confident that issues and planned programs will progress through tangible steps during your presidency as well," Ararat Mirzoyan stated at a joint press conference with his Hungarian counterpart.

The EU Peace Facility was established in 2021 to prevent conflicts around the world and to supply non-lethal military equipment to countries in need. For Armenia, according to sources from Azatutyun, the €10 million to be granted from this facility is intended for the establishment of a modular field camp for one battalion, which will include a medical assistance clinic.

"The goal is to enhance the resilience and capabilities of the Armenian Armed Forces aimed at establishing stability, thus enabling them to better protect the civilian population during crises and emergencies," is stated in diplomatic documents available to Azatutyun.

"Armenia is working to eliminate dependence on any one country," stated the Secretary of the Security Council yesterday, highlighting successful cooperation with the EU and its member countries in the security sector as an example. "Currently, being a member of the CSTO, Armenia is purchasing weapons from France, and has applied for the EPF European Peace Facility. In this respect, we are continuing to move forward. I am confident that Armenia's capabilities are very significant, and we can utilize those capabilities," said Armen Grigoryan.

In recent years, assistance from the EU Peace Facility has been granted to aspirant members like Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova, and nearly a dozen African countries, from Somalia to Congo.