Skopje, 20 February 2024 (MIA) - The procurement of military equipment, supported by the European Peace Facility (EPF) with EUR 9 million is proceeding according to the planned dynamics, confirmed Tuesday's first meeting of the Steering Committee, held at the House of the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia, the Ministry of Defense said in a press release.

The Committee, whose main task is to monitor the implementation of this project, is made up of representatives from the Ministry of Defense, Army General Staff, organization for the implementation of the European Peace Facility instrument, Slovenian organization ITF Enhancing Human Security and EU Delegation in Skopje.

Director of the Army General Staff Brigadier General Simeon Trajkovski, the Ministry adds, stressed that EU's assistance will strengthen the Army's capacities, affect the development of defense capabilities and interoperability.

"Ambassador Tomaž Lovrenčič, director at Slovenian organization ITF Enhancing Human Security- the agency that will implement EPF's project, said that planned activities have already started and are being implemented according to the strategic goals, priority list and deadlines for the delivery of equipment. The first delivery is expected in April of this year," the press release reads.

International Relations Officer at the European Commission, José Carlos Engra Moreno, highlighted the importance of Western Balkan countries for Europe's security, adding that in addition to this assistance for North Macedonia, similar projects are already underway with other countries in the region.

"Funds from this projects are intended for procurement of equipment of the light infantry battalion group, namely logistics, medical, engineering and training equipment, communication and information systems, intelligence capacities," the press release adds. ssh/nn/

Photo: Ministry of Defense