EU approves new initiatives to boost Ukraine's defense
Photo: Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal (Getty Images)
New EU initiatives to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities and integrate its defense industry have been adopted in Brussels, according to Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal.
A meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council was held in Brussels with the participation of the Defense Ministers of the EU member states. Representatives of Ukraine also took part in this meeting.
The main topic of discussion was joint actions to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities and the security of the entire continent.
First of all, the launch of the European Defense Industry Program (EDIP) was presented during the meeting. This program provides for the allocation of €1.5 billion in grants for the period 2025-2027.
Of this amount, €300 million is reserved for the Ukraine Support Instrument to integrate the Ukrainian defense industry into the European one, support modernization, and joint projects.
The practical implementation of the SAFE instrument, aimed at supporting Ukraine's defense sector, is also expected.
Ukrainian defense industry
In addition, representatives of Ukraine presented the capabilities of Ukraine's defense industry to their allies and invited partners to join projects within the Build with Ukraine initiative, which provides for the creation of modern defense industries in the country.
Defense financing
According to all participants of the meeting, a mechanism based on frozen Russian assets should become an important source of financing for Ukrainian defense.
Denys Shmyhal informed allies about the most urgent needs of the military, primarily in the field of air defense.
To ensure the Defense Forces, it is necessary to make new contributions to the PURL initiative, which allows Ukraine to receive the necessary American weapons.
Finally, Ukraine thanked the EU countries for their decisions that strengthen the country's defense capabilities. In turn, the participants of the meeting emphasized that only joint actions open the way to a just and lasting peace in Europe.
This meeting confirmed the EU's continued support for Ukraine and its willingness to integrate the Ukrainian defense industry into the European security system, which is a key factor in countering aggression.
US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll tried to convince Europeans to end the war in Ukraine as soon as possible.
In turn, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas believes that a hasty peace for Ukraine could be disadvantageous.
However, EU Commissioner for Justice Michael McGrath believes that any step aimed at exempting Russia from punishment for its crimes would be a historic mistake and would lead to new conflicts.
