Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/2134

Contents

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 28(1) and 41(2) thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,Whereas:

(1)In accordance with Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/509^note, a European Peace Facility (EPF) was established for the financing by Member States of Union actions under the Common Foreign and Security Policy to preserve peace, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security pursuant to Article 21(2), point (c), of the Treaty. In particular, in pursuant to Article 1(2), point (b)(i), of Decision (CFSP) 2021/509, the EPF may finance actions to strengthen the capacities of third States and regional and international organisations relating to military and defence matters.

(2)The framework of the Global Strategy on the European Union’s Foreign and Security Policy set the objectives of strengthening security and defence, investing in the resilience of states and societies to the east of the Union, developing an integrated approach to conflict and crises, promoting and supporting cooperative regional orders, and reinforcing global governance based on international law, including compliance with international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

(3)The Union is committed to a close relationship in support of a strong, independent and prosperous Georgia, based on the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part^note, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, and to promote political association and economic integration while firmly supporting Georgia’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. In accordance with Article 5 of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, the Union and Georgia are to continue to intensify their dialogue and cooperation and promote gradual convergence in the area of foreign and security policy, including the common security and defence policy, and are to address in particular issues of conflict prevention, peaceful conflict resolution and crisis management, regional stability, disarmament, non-proliferation, arms control and export control.

(4)The Union recognises Georgia’s important contribution to the Union’s common security and defence policy, including Georgia’s continued contribution to CSDP crisis management operations and missions in the Central African Republic and the Republic of Mali.

(5)In his letter of 28 October 2021 addressed to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (the ‘High Representative’), the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia requested the Union, in accordance with Article 59(1) of Decision (CFSP) 2021/509, to provide medical and engineering equipment, as well as mobility assets of civilian type.

(6)This assistance measure is to be implemented taking into account the principles and requirements set out in Decision (CFSP) 2021/509 and in accordance with the rules for the implementation of revenue and expenditure financed under the EPF.

(7)The Council reaffirms its determination to protect, promote and fulfil human rights, fundamental freedoms and democratic principles, and to strengthen the rule of law and good governance in compliance with the United Nations Charter, with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and with international law, in particular international human rights and international humanitarian law,

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