EU Approves Extra €15 Million Support to Strengthen North Macedonia’s Army

The European Union has decided to provide an additional €15 million to support the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia. This new funding, approved under the European Peace Facility (EPF), is aimed at boosting the country's defence capabilities, improving operational readiness, and helping North Macedonia better contribute to international peace efforts.

This latest support builds on earlier assistance provided by the EU in 2023 and 2024. With this new measure, the total financial aid from the European Peace Facility to North Macedonia now reaches €38 million. The growing support reflects the EU’s strong commitment to helping the country become more active in the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy operations and other international missions.

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, announced the decision and underlined its significance. She explained that the €15 million package would supply North Macedonia’s army with a wide range of equipment, including tools for intelligence gathering and surveillance, as well as gear for combat training.

Kallas also highlighted how this assistance would help promote stability and security not just in North Macedonia but across the Western Balkans — a region that remains very important for Europe’s broader security interests. She reaffirmed the EU’s full support for North Macedonia’s journey towards EU membership and expressed her enthusiasm about visiting the country soon to deepen cooperation.

This decision is part of a broader effort by the EU to strengthen ties with North Macedonia in the field of security and defence. It follows the signing of a security and defence partnership between the two sides last November. North Macedonia’s full alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy has further strengthened this relationship.

Under the new assistance package, North Macedonia’s army will receive intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems, electronic warfare tools, utility and engineering vehicles, communication and information systems, and combat training equipment. Where necessary, the support will also cover supplies and training to ensure the effective use of the equipment.

The European Peace Facility, created in 2021, helps the EU fund actions that prevent conflicts, preserve peace, and strengthen international security. It allows the EU to provide military and defence support to countries and organizations outside its borders, demonstrating Europe’s growing role in global peace efforts.