EU to open access for Ukraine to €8 billion defense fund
Illustrative photo: Ukraine will be given access to European Union defense research (Getty Images)
On Wednesday, November 5, the European Union reached a preliminary agreement on Ukraine's accession to the European Defense Fund, which has a budget of around €8 billion, according to the website of the EU Council.
The European Defense Fund (EDF) finances joint research and development in the defense sector among European countries. Its goal is to strengthen the competitiveness and technological independence of the EU’s defense industry.
Under the agreement, Ukraine will gain access to joint European research and development in the defense sector.
A key aspect of the agreement is measures to stimulate investment in defense within the current European budget, aimed at implementing the ReArm Europe plan. This plan seeks to increase defense spending and strengthen the EU’s military capabilities.
Latvian MEP Rihards Kols, who conducted the negotiations on behalf of the parliament, called the agreement a clear signal that the EU is finally starting to approach defense investments with the seriousness that the times demand.
The ReArm Europe plan envisions European countries mobilizing up to €800 billion for defense.
Previously, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that until recently, Russia produced more ammunition than all NATO member countries combined, but the situation has changed.
According to him, NATO countries now have the most advanced systems that provide an advantage, and weapons production volumes are at their highest level in the past decade.
RBC-Ukraine also reported that Ukraine has received the status of an enhanced partner of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). This alliance operates outside NATO but complements its capabilities.
