The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, proposed on Monday the use of European funds to enhance military manufacturing in Ukraine. This initiative is a response to the Russian invasion ordered by Vladimir Putin in February 2022. Borrell emphasized the importance of local production in Ukraine, supported by European firms, to streamline production times, reduce transportation costs, and tailor armaments to Ukraine’s specific battlefield needs.
Borrell highlighted the potential use of the European Peace Mechanism to subsidize weapon supplies to Kyiv. The EU’s goal is to support the Ukrainian defense industry by fostering cooperation between European and Ukrainian arms companies. Priority resources such as air defense, ammunition, missiles, and drones are of particular interest for increasing local manufacturing in Ukraine. Ukrainian Minister of Strategic Industry, Oleksandr Kamyshin, emphasized the need for more funds to produce weapons in Ukraine quickly to support the front lines.
The forum aims to strengthen the Ukrainian defense industry, which has demonstrated competitiveness and alignment with European standards. The European Commission’s Defense industrial strategy, presented last March, aims to see 50% of the EU’s military acquisitions sourced from European equipment by 2030. Additionally, 40% of purchases are expected to be joint collaborations. This strategy includes a budget line to further enhance the Ukrainian Defense industry. The ongoing collaboration between European and Ukrainian arms manufacturers seeks to strengthen the defense capabilities of Ukraine while promoting European integration in the defense sector.