Establishment, objectives, scope and duration
Article 1
1. An assistance measure benefiting North Macedonia (the ‘beneficiary’) to be financed under the European Peace Facility (EPF) (the ‘assistance measure’) is hereby established. 2. The objectives of the assistance measure are the following: (a) to contribute to enhancing the capabilities and capacities of the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia, in order to enhance national and regional security, stability and resilience in the defence sector, in line with the Union’s overall policy on North Macedonia; (b) to enhance the operational effectiveness of the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia, increase compliance with Union standards, improve interoperability, and thereby better protect the civilian population in crises and emergencies; (c) to strengthen the capacities of North Macedonia with respect to its participation in the Union’s common security and defence policy missions and operations, and in Union battlegroups. 3. To achieve the objectives set out in paragraph 2, the assistance measure shall finance the following types of equipment not designed to deliver lethal force: (a) technologies related to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and signal intelligence; (b) logistics; (c) engineering equipment; (d) communication and information systems. The assistance measure shall also finance related supplies and services, including technical training, where needed. 4. The duration of the assistance measure shall be 36 months from the date of adoption of this Decision.