ArmInfo. It is too early to talk about the details of the assistance that will be provided to Armenia through the European Peace Facility (EPF). Head of the EU delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Vassilis Maragos, stated on May 10 in Yerevan at the opening of the Europe Day celebrations.
Thus, to clarify whether the EU will make efforts to promote assistance to Armenia through the EPF considering the fact that Hungary had previously blocked the support project, Mr. Maragos recalled that last November, during a meeting of the Commission on External Relations, issues related to supporting Armenia's resilience and responding to its needs in the field of security were discussed.
He added that then an agreement was reached to discuss two areas of support - the provision of non-lethal assistance through the EPF and an increase in the number of EU civilian observers on the border with Azerbaijan.
"As for the EU mission, its number has already been increased, they have arrived and the process of their deployment is underway. On the second issue, discussions are still ongoing, it is too early to talk about any details. But we hope that this process will soon be completed," Mr. Maragos concluded. Earlier, the RFE/RL's Armenian Service, citing diplomatic sources, reported that Hungary was blocking a project to support Armenia in the amount of 10 million euros through the European Peace Facility , which was agreed within the alliance several weeks ago.
It is noted that Hungary demanded the inclusion of Azerbaijan in the program under discussion. At the same time, the source added that in order to break the deadlock, this issue is on the agenda for discussions. In mid-April, it became known that a preliminary agreement had been reached in Brussels to provide assistance to Armenia in the amount of 10 million euros through the European Peace Facility . According to diplomatic documents, the funds was to be used to form a modular field camp for one battalion, which would also include one medical station, as well as related services and facilities. "The purpose of this support is to help the Armenian Armed Forces increase its resilience and stability-building capabilities and thereby better protect civilians during crises and emergencies," the document says.