European Peace Facility

A unique funding mechanism - the EPF

The European Peace Facility (EPF) is a unique funding mechanism for the EU actions with military and defence implications under the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). This innovative instrument enhances the EU’s ability to preserve peace, prevent conflict and strengthen international security. It offers a flexible response to the needs of partner countries. The EPF is an off-budget instrument, which means that EU Member States pay their contributions directly every year, based on the estimated annual budget for the EPF.

The operations and assistance measures pillars of the EPF

According to the Council Decision establishing the Facility - (CFSP) 2021/509 of 22 March 2021, the EPF consists of two pillars:

• The operations pillar covers the common costs of military Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operations.
• The assistance measures pillar finances the military aspects of Peace Support Operations (PSOs) and supports capacity building of partner countries and international organisations in military and defence matters.

The role of the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI)

The European Commission acts as administrator for assistance measures through its Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI). The Commission also acts as accounting officer and internal auditor for assistance measures through the Directorate-General for Budget and the Internal Audit Service respectively. The Director and Head of Service of FPI is the administrator for assistance measures, while the Council General Secretariat is the administrator for operations.

As Administrator for Assistance Measures, FPI is  responsible for the contractual and financial implementation of EPF assistance measures. This encompasses  providing material,  technical or logistical material support with military or defence implications to third countries, regional or international organisations.

The EPF provides material, technical and logistical support

A broad range of lethal and non-lethal equipment is being delivered including, ammunition, missiles, radars, armoured vehicles, maritime vessels protective personal equipment, cyber defence, night vision goggles, military field hospitals, combat dress. 

It also supports infrastructure works such as military camps, storage facilities, naval bases, air academies, and medical facilities

Dedicated hands-on trainings are provided to the armed forces of the partner countries.

The strategic and political priorities

The Political and Security Committee (PSC) decides the overall direction and political priorities for assistance measures funded by the EPF. These decisions are based on the strategic priorities set by the European Council and the Council of the EU.

Upon a proposal by the High Representative or a Member State, the Council of the EU decides what kind of assistance and equipment can be supplied according to the needs of EU partners. 

Guarantees and safeguards

The Council of the EU assesses the level of guarantees and safeguards for adequate use, respect of human rights and international humanitarian law as well as other criteria such as ownership, avoidance of diversion, traceability of equipment, local absorption capacity, and sustainability of the EU investment.

The EPF Committee

The EPF  Committee is composed of a representative of each EU Member State. It is responsible for adopting the EPF annual and amending budgets. The EPF Committee operates within the structures of the Council of the EU and is chaired by a representative of the rotating presidency of the Council of the UE. 

The EPF Committee appoints a College of Auditors based on candidates proposed by the EU Member States. The Auditors oversee the external audit of revenue and expenditure as well as of the annual accounts of operations and assistance measures. 

The EPF factsheet - Assistance Measures

Access to documents held by the EPF

In line with the decision by the EPF Committee of 13 July 2022 on the rules for public access to documents held by the EPF

For documents concerning the Operations pillar of the EPF

Search in the Council of the EU Register

Alternatively, submit your request for access to EPF [dot] operationsconsilium [dot] europa [dot] eu (EPF[dot]operations[at]consilium[dot]europa[dot]eu)

For documents concerning the Assistance Measures pillar of the EPF

Search in the European Commission Register

Alternatively, submit your request for access through the European Commission portal.