On Tuesday 5 November, the Council of the European Union adopted a number of assistance measures under the ‘European Peace Facility’.
The first measure, worth €20 million, will contribute to strengthening the capacities of the Egyptian Armed Forces (EAF) “to enhance the national security and stability of Egypt, as well as to enhance the protection of civilians”. “The assistance measure aims at strengthening EAF’s territorial control capabilities, and thereby enhancing its ability to respond to security threats across the territory of Egypt, particularly in the Western region”, the EU Council said in a statement.
A second assistance measure, worth €5 million, is aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of the Congolese Navy. This assistance will enable the Congolese Navy to step up its patrols in the waters of the Gulf of Guinea, including in collaboration with the vessels of partner countries conducting maritime security operations in the area, within the framework of the ‘Yaoundé Architecture’, according to the EU Council.
Specifically, the EU will provide naval maintenance training and related support (workshops, consumables) to restore the operational capabilities of Congolese patrol boats. In addition, the EU will replace or supplement equipment used at sea for the purposes of surveillance, communication and for operational purposes.
This decision complements two other measures worth €21 million and €5 million adopted in November 2023 (see EUROPE 13301/28) and June 2024 (see EUROPE 13432/27) to strengthen the capabilities of the navies of Ghana, Cameroon and Benin, in support of their commitment to the ‘Yaoundé Architecture’ and maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)