During the EU-Ukraine Defense Industry Forum in Brussels, Charles Fries, Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service, announced new efforts for collaboration between Ukraine and the EU, reports Ukrinform.
Fries delivered his speech on behalf of the EU's High Representative, Kaia Kallas, who is currently attending discussions with foreign ministers in London.
“We recognize that there are certain challenges in integration affecting the supply of engines and electronic components, leading to delays in producing the necessary missiles and drones.
We are also aware of the concerns from companies on both sides regarding funding and product certification.
Today, we are launching a new operational group for EU-Ukraine collaboration in the defense industry aimed at achieving concrete solutions. This will strengthen security for Ukraine and for all of us,” Fries noted.
He reminded that on May 9, the High Representative of the EU, along with foreign ministers, visited Lviv, which sent a clear signal of support for Ukraine. One of the key objectives of this visit was to support the Ukrainian defense industry. In Lviv, Kaia Kallas announced that the EU would invest 1 billion euros in Ukraine's defense industry.
“Last week in Lviv, contracts were signed, and this money will be invested in the most advanced defense technologies, including drone and missile production. But this is just the beginning.
In the next two weeks, we will also allocate an additional 900 million euros for the procurement of weapons and ammunition for Ukraine. All of this will be funded from frozen Russian assets,” the EU representative stated.
According to him, this funding brings the EU's assistance to Ukraine and its defense industry to 3.3 billion euros, making the EU the largest state foreign investor in Ukraine's defense sector. This funding is complemented by contributions from EU member states providing direct financial support to Ukrainian companies to meet urgent defense needs.
“It would be incorrect to say that only Ukraine benefits from this EU support. On the contrary, the Ukrainian defense sector has much to teach the European Union. You, Ukrainian companies, are paving the way, and your achievements are impressive.
Since 2022, your industrial capabilities have increased thirtyfold. Your innovations, such as the development of maritime drones, are inspiring. It is remarkable how an affordable defense system utilizes around 10,000 sensors to detect Russian drones,” Fries emphasized.
He noted that the EU will use all available tools to enhance cooperation and integration with Ukraine's defense industry.
Interaction between European and Ukrainian companies in joint production is, according to him, the right direction that brings mutual benefits.