EU and Norway sign an agreement in support of EUMAM Ukraine

The EU and the Kingdom of Norway signed today an administrative agreement for a voluntary financial contribution of Norway to the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) for 2023.

Norway’s financial support to the EU Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine will give an additional boost to train and equip the Ukrainian Armed Forces as they continue their courageous fight against the Russian aggression. With our partners, we will continue to assist Ukraine in every way we can, for as long as it takes.

Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

On 31 October the Norwegian government announced its decision to support EUMAM Ukraine with a voluntary financial contribution of NOK 150 million (approximately €14.5 million) to the European Peace Facility. Today's signature formalises this resolution and ensures that the agreement can enter into force and Norway can effectively contribute to train and equip the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the framework of the EU Military Assistance Mission.

This is the first time ever that a third country makes a financial contribution to the EPF, and is a confirmation of Norway's close cooperation with the EU on security and defence matters and its firm support of Ukraine's defence of its freedom and sovereignty.

Background

EUMAM Ukraine was formally established on 17 October 2022 to enhance the military capability of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to allow them to defend Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognised borders, as well as to protect the civilian population. EUMAM Ukraine has a non-executive mandate to provide individual, collective and specialised training to up to 15 000 Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel over multiple locations in the territory of EU member states.

The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 to finance all Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) actions in the areas of military and defence, with the aim of preventing conflict, preserving peace and strengthening international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of non-EU countries and regional and international organisations relating to military and defence matters.