On Monday, Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy, proposed that European funds be used to enhance military manufacturing in Ukraine amidst the Russian invasion ordered by Vladimir Putin in February 2022. Speaking at the EU-Ukraine Defense Industries Forum in Brussels, Borrell suggested exploring ways to use European funds to increase arms production in Ukraine and integrate the Ukrainian military sector into the European ecosystem.
Borrell emphasized the importance of manufacturing arms in Ukraine by Ukrainian companies supported by European firms to accelerate production times, save transportation costs, and align with Ukraine’s specific battlefield needs. He reiterated that the EU can utilize the European Peace Mechanism to subsidize the supply of weapons to Kyiv.
The Defense Industries Forum in Brussels brought together 140 European and Ukrainian arms companies to establish connections and foster cooperation to enhance manufacturing in Ukraine, particularly focusing on air defense, ammunition, missiles, and drones. Ukrainian Minister of Strategic Industry, Oleksandr Kamyshin, expressed the short-term goal of obtaining more funds to produce weapons in Ukraine to support the frontlines. He highlighted the Ukrainian military sector’s capability, competitiveness, and alignment with European standards in weapon production.
In addition to this proposal, Borrell emphasized that it is crucial for Europeans to support Ukraine’s efforts towards strengthening its military capabilities and production capacities as a response to ongoing conflict. The European Commission presented its Defense industrial strategy aiming for 50% of the EU’s military acquisitions to be of European equipment by 2030, with 40% of purchases being joint. This strategy includes a budget line to boost the Ukrainian Defense industry.
Overall, Borrell’s proposal highlights how Europe can play an active role in supporting Ukraine’s efforts towards enhancing its military capabilities through financial assistance and increased cooperation between countries.
