This cell ensures the financial sustainability of the Mission, guaranteeing that every resource placed at the service of the European Union is used in a rigorous, transparent and effective manner.  

European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique, 2025

At the helm of this mechanism is the J8 Chief, OF-4 José Ramos, from the Portuguese Army, who leads the cell and it is responsible for guiding the financial management of the mission. Also, for ensuring that the use of European Peace Facility (EPF) funds fully complies with the established implementation rules, while guaranteeing transparency, accountability and rigour. His role is crucial in supporting the Mission Force Commander's (MFCdr) decision-making, transforming strategic intentions into viable and sustainable financial courses of action. In addition to his internal leadership role, the J8 Chief is also the liaison with the CJ8 cell of the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) and with the support elements of the EPF itself, ensuring the necessary consistency between the financial reality on the ground and the rules defined in Brussels. His responsibilities, in accordance with EPF rules, are vast and demanding ensuring the security of allocated funds; verifying the eligibility of expenses; ensuring compliance with current rules and budgets; maintaining detailed inventories of assets, infrastructure and equipment; approving contracts; organising internal control and issuing the necessary procedural rules. The J8 Chief is also responsible for monitoring all purchases, keeping up-to-date records, periodically checking the mission's assets and reporting to the administrator any situation that could impact the costs financed by the EPF.  A key decision-maker, a guarantor of compliance and the link between the European Union's strategic vision and its practical implementation in Mozambique.  

European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique, 2025

The budget planning is the area of J8 Budget, OF-2 João Arnaut, from the Portuguese Army. He need to transform operational needs into concrete figures, draws up financial projections, produces implementation reports and closely monitors the implementation of the mission's budget. His role is vital in ensuring that when the operational component needs resources, these are available without compromising financial sustainability. It is at this point that the strategy gains consistency, converting intentions into usable resources. J8 Budget responsibilities, in accordance with EPF rules, include supporting the Authorising Officer in executing expenditure in accordance with legislation and the principles of a good financial management; preparing budget proposals, transfers or reallocations of appropriations; preparing implementation reports and performing all additional tasks assigned to them, in particular as deputy to the J8 chief.  

European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique, 2025

This team also have an elemento that works in close coordination in Brussels, far from Mozambique, it is J8 Accounting, OF-2 João Martins, from the Portuguese Air Force, who is responsible for preserving the mission's financial memory. It records, validates and reconciles each transaction, ensuring that all expenditure is traceable, compliant and duly justified. Its meticulous work ensures the credibility of the mission's financial management with the European Union and its various stakeholders. Without this rigour, it would be impossible to maintain the confidence necessary to sustain the operational effort on the ground.  

In accordance with J8 Accounting duties, set out in the EPF rules, they are responsible for ensuring the correct execution of payments, the collection of revenue and the recovery of amounts due; keeping the accounts up to date; preparing and presenting both regular reports to the Facility Committee and the annual accounts as defined in the regulation; and monitoring processes related to the acquisition, use and disposal of non-current assets. Working closely with the J8 Chief, OF-2 João Martins is responsible for ensuring consistency between inventories and accounting, reinforcing the soundness and transparency of financial management.  

European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique, 2025

Finally, the J8 NCO, OR-8 Luís Correia, from the Portuguese Army, embodies the discipline and daily rigour that keep the entire financial machinery running. He is the link between the technical work and the administrative dimension of the cell: he organises the documentation, ensures the correct circulation of information and guarantees that no detail is lost in the flow of processes between Mozambique and Brussels. He is also the guardian and the guarantee of a rigorous management of funds in Mozambican territory.  

European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique, 2025

The J8 cell may not be at the forefront of visibility, but it ensures the solid foundations on which the mission is based. Every decision, every record and every budget plan is converted into available resources, transforming into operational capabilities that directly support advisors and mentors in their daily work with the FADM. J8 is the silent engine that enables EUMAM MOZ to fulfil its mandate with efficiency, transparency and accountability.