14/03/2023 (Agence Europe) – The Council of the EU adopted a decision increasing the financial ceiling of the ‘European Peace Facility’ (EPF) to €7.979 billion (in current prices) until 2027, according to the Legal Act of 14 March. This decision follows a political agreement reached by the EU Council this past 12 December to increase the facility[’s ceiling] by €2 billion (in 2018 prices) in 2023 and to provide for the possibility of a further increase at a later stage (up to €5.5 billion in 2018 prices until 2027) (see EUROPE 13082/29). The Council of the EU also decided to set the financial reference amount for the common costs of the EU Crisis Management Military Exercise 2023 (MILEX 23) at €5 million and to introduce greater flexibility in the collection and use of financial contributions from Member States and in their use by the facility. For more information: https://aeur.eu/f/5s2 (CG)