European Union Allocates Additional Nearly €200 Million for Training Ukrainian Armed Forces
The Council of Europe has decided today to provide additional funding for the training of the Ukrainian Armed Forces within the framework of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine).
"The funding amount has been increased by €194 million, reaching €255 million. This support will be provided through the European Peace Facility (EPF) and will supply necessary lethal and non-lethal equipment and materials, as well as services to support training activities," stated the Council's announcement.
The European Peace Facility is an off-budget instrument aimed at enhancing the EU's capacity to prevent conflicts, build peace, and strengthen international security. It enables financing of operational actions with military or defence implications under the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).
The purpose of today's decision by the Council of Europe is to continue supporting EUMAM in building the capacity of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, taking into account Ukraine's needs and the increased volume and complexity of the training program.
This support will contribute to the extensive training of personnel in the Ukrainian Armed Forces and allow EU member states to provide necessary training equipment and supplies.
The European Union Military Assistance Mission to Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) commenced in November 2022. It is designed for a two-year training program for the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the territory of EU countries. Experienced instructors, utilizing military equipment provided by EU member states, conduct the training.
At the request of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to enhance the combat capability and readiness of Ukrainian soldiers, individually tailored training is provided. This forms part of a comprehensive international approach, coordinated with partners in the Security Assistance Group for Ukraine and the Contact Group on Defence of Ukraine in the "Ramstein" format.
On October 17, 2022, the Council made a decision to establish EUMAM Ukraine with an initial term of two years. The mission is a direct response to Ukraine's request for support addressed to the High Representative and ensures individual, collective, and specialized training for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as well as coordination and synchronization of member states' activities in conducting training.
In a letter dated August 23, 2023, the Ukrainian government recognized the significant contribution of EUMAM Ukraine and requested the expansion of EUMAM Ukraine training for the National Guard, State Border Guard Service, National Police, and Security Service of Ukraine, for these units under the operational subordination of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
According to EU Council data, over 34,000 Ukrainian military personnel have undergone training during the mission's operation. Since the start of the full-scale Russian war in Ukraine, over 100,000 Ukrainian military personnel have received training in 32 partner countries, with nearly 29,000 military personnel mastering Western weaponry.