BRUSSELS (XOL Africa) — The European Union on Monday approved a €60 million assistance package to strengthen the defense capabilities of Cabo Verde’s armed forces, with a focus on maritime security and protection of the country’s waters.
The Council of the EU said the measure, provided through the European Peace Facility, is intended to support Cabo Verde’s ability to safeguard its sovereignty at sea while contributing to wider regional maritime security.
The package is the second EU assistance measure for Cabo Verde under the facility and brings the bloc’s total support for the country through the European Peace Facility to €75 million.
The EU said the latest funding was tailored to the needs of Cabo Verde’s armed forces, particularly its Coast Guard.
The assistance will support maintenance and logistics, military education and training, maritime operations, communications, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
The Council said the decision forms part of the EU-Cabo Verde Special Partnership and supports its stability and security objectives.
The assistance comes as maritime security remains an important issue for Cabo Verde, an island country strategically located in the Atlantic Ocean.
The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 to finance actions under the EU’s common foreign and security policy aimed at preventing conflicts, preserving peace and strengthening international security and stability.
The facility also allows the EU to finance measures designed to strengthen the military and defense capabilities of third countries and regional or international organizations.
The Council said the new Cabo Verde package is intended to strengthen the country’s ability to conduct maritime operations while improving its broader defense readiness.
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