The EU-Ukraine Defence Industry Forum, held in Brussels on May 12, focused on enhancing cooperation and integration between the defence industries of Ukraine and the European Union. The event brought together over 500 representatives from both sides to encourage joint procurement and bolster Ukraine’s capabilities in priority areas. This effort aims to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and deter future aggression.
During the forum, a new EU-Ukraine Task Force on Defence Industrial Cooperation convened for the first time. This task force is expected to facilitate flagship projects between EU and Ukrainian defence industries. The collaboration aims to integrate the Ukrainian defence industry into the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB), aligning with Ukraine’s EU aspirations as outlined in the Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030.
A memorandum of understanding was signed between Ukraine and the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) to further industrial cooperation. These initiatives aim to attract more EU investment into Ukraine’s defence sector, deepening ties between both parties.
Currently, the EU stands as the largest public investor in Ukraine’s defence industry, contributing €1.4 billion sourced from ‘windfall profits’ from immobilised Russian Central Bank assets. This funding is set to accelerate military equipment production, aiding Ukraine’s defence efforts while supporting its economy.
The forum also highlighted ongoing efforts by the EU and its member states to deliver military assistance swiftly through instruments like the European Peace Facility funding mechanism. This includes support for common procurement initiatives involving Member States and Ukraine, alongside joint ventures with Ukrainian industries.
Organised by the EU, with hosting duties performed by High Representative Kaja Kallas, Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius, and Minister Herman Smetanin of Ukraine, this event received backing from Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU as well as ASD.
This forum follows a series of international events initiated by Kyiv since September 2023. It builds upon proposals from the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) aimed at associating Ukraine with collective activities at an EU level for developing defence capabilities.
To date, €50.3 billion worth of military assistance has been delivered by both the EU and its Member States to address urgent needs in Ukraine’s military sector. Through EUMAM, over 74,000 Ukrainian soldiers have received training funded under this initiative.
At a recent Foreign Affairs Council meeting on April 14, broad support was shown for providing large-calibre ammunition requested by President Zelenskyy—a target already two-thirds met—with contributions coming from 25 Member States along with Norway’s additional support valued at approximately €428 million.
For further details or inquiries:
Anitta HIPPER
Spokesperson
Phone: +32 2 29 85691
Mail: [email protected]
Thomas REGNIER
Spokesperson
Phone: +32 2 29 91099
Mail: [email protected]
