European Peace Facility: Council adopts assistance measure in support of the Balkan Medical Task Force

The Council adopted an assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF) worth €6 million to the benefit of the Balkan Medical Task Force (BMTF).

The assistance measure will support the capacity building of the BMTF by procuring the necessary equipment and materiel for the medical units of the Armed Forces of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, participating in the BMTF. In this context, the objective of the measure is to strengthen military medical capabilities of the region and civilian relief efforts, and ultimately contribute to regional cooperation and cohesion.

In order to achieve its objective, the assistance measure will finance: mobility assets, components for field hospitals at ‘role 2’ standards, laboratory equipment and supplies, and IT and communication equipment.

The assistance was requested on behalf of the BMTF by the Republic of North Macedonia in April 2022.

Background and next steps

The EPF was created in 2021 to support partners around the world in the areas of military and defence, and with the ultimate aim of preventing conflict, preserving peace and strengthening international security and stability.

The BMTF was set up as a regional initiative bringing together six participating 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.