(1)

Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/509 (1) establishes the European Peace Facility (EPF) for the financing by Member States of Union actions under the common foreign and security policy to preserve peace, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security pursuant to Article 21(2), point (c), of the Treaty. In particular, pursuant to Article 1(2) of Decision (CFSP) 2021/509, the EPF is to be used for the financing of assistance measures such as actions to strengthen the capacities of third States and regional and international organisations relating to military and defence matters.

(2)

The 2016 Global Strategy for the European Union’s Foreign and Security Policy sets the objectives of strengthening security and defence, investing in the resilience of States and societies to the east of the Union, developing an integrated approach to conflict and crises, promoting and supporting cooperative regional orders, and reinforcing global governance on the basis of international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

(3)

On 21 March 2022, the Union approved the Strategic Compass, with the objective of becoming a stronger and more capable security provider, including through the increased use of the EPF in support of partners’ defence capabilities.

(4)

The Union is committed to a close relationship with the Republic of Moldova, based on the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Moldova, of the other part (2) (the ‘Association Agreement’), including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, in support of a strong, independent and prosperous Republic of Moldova, and to promoting political association and economic integration while firmly supporting the Republic of Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. Pursuant to Article 5 of the Association Agreement, the Union and the Republic of Moldova are to intensify their dialogue and cooperation and promote gradual convergence in the area of foreign and security policy, including the common security and defence policy (CSDP), and are to address in particular issues of conflict prevention, peaceful conflict resolution and crisis management, regional stability, disarmament, non-proliferation, arms control and export control.

(5)

The Union recognises the Republic of Moldova’s important contribution to the Union’s CSDP.

(6)

This Decision builds upon Council Decisions (CFSP) 2021/2136 (3), (CFSP) 2022/1093 (4), (CFSP) 2023/921 (5) and (CFSP) 2024/1049 (6) with regard to the Union’s continued commitment to supporting the strengthening of capacities of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova in priority-need areas.

(7)

On 5 February 2024, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy received a request from the Republic of Moldova for the Union to assist the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova with the procurement of key equipment to strengthen the capacities of its mobility, electronic warfare and logistics units.

(8)

Assistance measures are to be implemented taking into account the principles and requirements set out in Decision (CFSP) 2021/509, in particular compliance with Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (7), and in line with the rules for the implementation of revenue and expenditure financed under the EPF.

(9)

The Council reaffirms its determination to protect, promote and fulfil human rights, fundamental freedoms and democratic principles and to strengthen the rule of law and good governance, in compliance with the Charter of the United Nations, with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and with international law, in particular international human rights law and international humanitarian law,