Established in 2021, the European Peace Facility (EPF) represents a significant step towards enhancing peace, preventing conflicts, and strengthening international security. This off-budget funding mechanism under the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) of the European Union (EU) provides financial support to EU countries involved in military and defense actions outside the bloc.
Funding Mechanism for Military and Defense Actions
The European Peace Facility serves as an off-budget funding mechanism specifically designed for EU actions with military and defense implications. By operating outside the regular EU budget, it enables the EU to swiftly respond to emerging security challenges and crises beyond its borders.
Substantial Budget Allocation
For the period spanning from 2021 to 2027, the EPF boasts a total budget exceeding EUR 12 billion. This allocation is distributed across seven years, with annual ceilings that range from EUR 399 million in 2021 to EUR 2.480 billion in 2027. This substantial budget signifies the EU’s commitment to actively engage in promoting peace and security globally.
Two Pillars of EPF
The European Peace Facility is structured around two main pillars: one for military operations and the other for assistance measures. This dual approach allows for a comprehensive strategy that combines military support with targeted assistance to address the root causes of conflicts and instability in partner countries.
Administrators for Operations and Assistance Measures
To ensure effective implementation, the EPF relies on administrators responsible for managing military operations and assistance measures. The Head of Service, the FPI Director, serves as the administrator for assistance measures. Meanwhile, the administrator for operations operates within the Council General Secretariat.
Scope of Support
The EPF administrators provide financial, technical, or material support with military or defense implications to third countries, regional organizations, or international entities. This support plays a crucial role in building the capacity of partner countries to tackle security challenges and maintain stability.
Strategic Orientation and Political Steer
The Political and Security Committee (PSC) plays a pivotal role in guiding the strategic orientation of operations and assistance measures to be funded under the EPF. The PSC bases its decisions on the strategic priorities outlined by the European Council and the Council, ensuring a cohesive and well-coordinated approach.
Management and Oversight
The EPF is managed under the authority and direction of a Facility Committee. This committee, responsible for adopting the EPF’s annual and amending budgets, comprises a representative from each EU Member State. It operates within the structures of the Council and is chaired by a representative of the rotating presidency of the Council.
Ensuring Accountability
To guarantee transparency and accountability, a College of Auditors oversees the external audit of revenue and expenditure, as well as the annual accounts of EPF operations and assistance measures. The Auditors are appointed by the EPF Committee based on candidates proposed by EU Member States.