Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/823

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

(1)Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/509^note establishes the European Peace Facility (EPF) for the financing by Member States of Union actions under the common foreign and security policy (CFSP) to preserve peace, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security pursuant to Article 21(2), point (c), of the Treaty. In particular, pursuant to Article 1(2) of Decision (CFSP) 2021/509, the EPF is to be used for the financing of assistance measures such as actions to strengthen the capacities of third States and regional and international organisations relating to military and defence matters.

(2)The Union is committed to a close relationship in support of a strong, independent and prosperous Republic of North Macedonia (‘North Macedonia’), based on the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, which was signed in 2001 and entered into force in 2004, and the accession negotiations with North Macedonia, which were opened in 2020.

(3)The Union recognises the alignment of North Macedonia with the Union’s CFSP, as well as the contribution of North Macedonia to the Union’s common security and defence policy (CSDP), including its participation in CSDP missions and operations and EU Rapid Response Forces within the Rapid Deployment Capacity framework.

(4)On 21 March 2022, the Union approved the Strategic Compass, with the objective of becoming a stronger and more capable security provider, including through the increased use of the EPF in support of partners’ military and defence capabilities.

(5)In the Brussels Declaration of the EU-Western Balkan Summit of 18 December 2024, the leaders of the Union and its Member States, in consultation with the Western Balkans leaders, reaffirmed their commitment to further develop and strengthen dialogue and cooperation in security and defence, and to reinforce security and resilience in the region through the EPF.

(6)On 24 February 2025, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy received a request from North Macedonia for the Union to upgrade the equipment of the Army of North Macedonia, with a focus on its Light Infantry Battalion Group.

(7)Assistance measures are to be implemented taking into account the principles and requirements set out in Decision (CFSP) 2021/509, in particular compliance with Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP^note, and in line with the rules for the implementation of revenue and expenditure financed under the EPF.

(8)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 Charter of the United Nations, with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and with international law, in particular international human rights law and international humanitarian law,

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