EU to Allocate Over Euro12 mln to Strengthen Defense in Georgia

By Khatia Bzhalava

Wednesday, December 8

Georgia will receive Euro12.75 million over a period of 36 months.

The Georgian Defense Ministry called the cooperation between the EU and Georgia ‘dynamic’ as the EU allocates funds to strengthen defense in the country.

The European Union will allocate funds for Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova, and the Republic of Mali to strengthen the capacities of countries in military and defense fields and promote domestic resilience and peace. According to the European Council, for Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine, the EU also aims to enhance the capacity of local armed forces to contribute to Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) military missions and operations.

Georgia will receive Euro12.75 million over a period of 36 months to help strengthen the Georgian Defense Forces, including their ability to provide their services to civilians in crises or emergencies.

“In particular, it will provide non-lethal medical and engineering equipment and civilian-type mobility assets,” the European Council said.

According to the statement, the assistance will comply with relevant international law, in particular international human rights and international humanitarian law, as well as with relevant legal instruments and best practices based on international and EU rules. The assistance does not involve the supply of equipment designed to deliver lethal force.

The assistance was approved within the framework of the European Peace Facility (EPF). The EPF was established in March 2021 to finance EU external actions with military or defense implications, to prevent conflict, preserve peace, and strengthen international security and stability.

The European Union, together with the German Development Bank (KFW), and the Georgian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, has launched a project to support the Georgian Energy Sector as well.

The Technical Assistance Project is worth Euro8,44 million and aims to strengthen energy security, improve public and industrial energy infrastructure and promote the use of renewable energy. This 4-year project will help Georgia to attract additional investments and strengthen the Georgian energy sector’s competitiveness. According to Deputy Minister of Economy Davit Tvalabeishvili, the project will help Georgia meet the commitments included in the Association Agreement signed with the EU.