European Council extends EU Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine mandate for two years

Photo: Sofia Globe

The Council adopted a decision extending the mandate of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) for a further two years, until 15 November 2028, with a budget allocation of nearly €300 million for this period.

The decision follows the recent strategic review of EUMAM. In this context, the Council also decided to establish a presence in Ukraine to ensure direct and effective coordination with the Ukrainian military authorities, the UAF and like-minded international partners, thus ensuring that the EU training continues to evolve in line with the UAF’s needs. The mission’s mandate is also enriched so as to focus on lessons learned from the battlefield and on strengthening military training in support of Ukraine’s defence agenda.

EUMAM Ukraine will continue to coordinate closely with other like-minded international partners such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Norway. It will also cooperate with the Coalition of the Willing, as well as with NATO within the framework of the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) command.

EUMAM Ukraine is a key tool for the EU’s military support to Ukraine, with its core objective of contributing to enhancing the military capacity of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. The mission has trained more than 100 000 soldiers since it was established in October 2022 at Ukraine’s request.

Background

On 17 October 2022, the Council adopted a decision establishing EUMAM Ukraine with an initial duration of two years. The strategic objective of the mission is to contribute to enhancing the military capacity of Ukraine’s Armed Forces (UAF) to regenerate and to conduct operations effectively, in order to allow Ukraine to defend its territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, exercise its sovereignty and protect civilians from Russia’s unjustified armed aggression.

EUMAM Ukraine provides individual, collective and specialised training to the UAF on the territory of EU member states; it also coordinates and synchronises the member states’ delivery of training. The training is supported by the provision of equipment to the UAF for lethal and non-lethal purposes. EUMAM is financed by the European Peace Facility.

European peace facility

Between 2022 and 2026 the EU mobilised €10.8 billion through the European Peace Facility (EPF) to address Ukraine’s urgent military and defence needs. This includes €9.9 billion to reimburse EU member states for military aid delivered to Ukraine and €950 million to support military training through the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine).

Through the EPF the EU finances the provision of lethal and non-lethal military equipment and supplies, including personal protective equipment, first aid kits, fuel, ammunition and missiles.

The EPF has also channelled €3.4 billion in revenues generated by immobilised Russian assets towards military support for Ukraine.

Norway has supported the EU’s efforts under the EPF with a contribution of NOK 250 million (approximately €22 million).

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