Podgorica, (MINA) – EU High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas announced on Monday a package of military assistance to Montenegro of EUR 6 million under the European Peace Facility, aimed at strengthening the country’s defense capabilities.
During her visit to the Military Airport in Podgorica, Kallas met with Defense Minister Dragan Krapovic and attended a demonstration of equipment used by the Montenegrin Armed Forces.
Kallas said that in February the EU approved EUR six million aid package, within the European Peace Facility, with the aim of strengthening the VCG capacities.
She announced that in the coming weeks a detailed list of the country’s specific military needs will be drafted in cooperation with Montenegrin authorities.
According to Kallas, this support comes in addition to the EUR 6 million in regional assistance provided through the Balkan Medical Unit.
As she stated, most of that support will be delivered during this year.
Kallas thanked Krapovic for the support provided by Montenegro in the mission to the EU mission in the Horn of Africa.
Krapovic said that Kallas’s visit is further confirmation that the EU acknowledges the efforts of the 44th Government towards achieving full EU membership.
He added that the visit is an indication that the EU is committed to regional security high on the agenda of both the EU and NATO.
“The presence and focus of both the EU and NATO help us counter the malign influences of third parties, which certainly exist in the Balkans”, Krapovic pointed out.
