In May 2025, during her visit to Skopje, North Macedonia, HR/VP Kaja Kallas paid a visit to the Headquarters of the Balkan Medical Task Force (BMTF). The BMTF brings together medical military assets from the region to provide rapid medical support during natural and man-made disasters.

The Balkan Medical Task Force is one of the key projects supported by EU through the European Peace Facility (EPF). The EPF was established by the EU to enhance security and stability across Europe and beyond. It supports partners in preventing conflicts and strengthening international security while the BMTF plays a crucial role in improving regional security and resilience in the Western Balkans.

European Union

Regional Initiative

The BMTF is a collaborative effort among Western Balkan countries, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia. It also contributes to longer-term international missions.

It aims to be a regional task force capable of rapid response and support international missions. The BMTF can act swiftly when a country faces a disaster, using the medical military capacities of its member nations to assist civilians.

The BMTF is actively engaged in multinational training activities. These exercises aim to maintain readiness, enhance capabilities, and improve operational effectiveness and interoperability.

Showcasing EU Support

Since 2022, the EPF has supported the BMTF's medical military capability objectives, ensuring that Western Balkan countries can work together effectively in times of crisis.

During the HR/VP's visit to Skopje, a showcase of equipment highlighted the range of support provided by the EPF, including:

• IT and communication equipment
• Laboratory equipment and supplies
• Role 2 hospitals
• Medical and all-terrain vehicles

Deliveries are ongoing, with training to accompany the equipment to ensure its effective use.

Flagship Tool

The EPF was established in March 2021 to finance actions under the common foreign and security policy. Its aim is to prevent conflicts, preserve peace, and strengthen international security and stability. The EPF is a flagship tool which allows the EU to finance actions that enhance the capacities of third states and regional and international organisations in military and defence matters.

European Union

The ongoing support provided by the EPF demonstrates the EU's commitment to building a safer and more stable region.

• Follow the link to download The European Peace Facility Factsheet
• Follow the link to download European Peace Facility (EPF)