News item | 2023-03-20 | 5:53 pm
There is an agreement on joint EU procurement of ammunition for Ukraine. The ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense reached this today during the Jumbo Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. The supply and production of, among other things, 155mm artillery ammunition for Ukraine is considerably increased by the agreement.
The European Peace Facility (EPF) is making €1 billion available. It is intended for member states so that they can supply more ammunition to Ukraine from their own stocks. Another €1 billion from the EPF is available to jointly place large orders quickly with the Defense Industry for ammunition supplies to Ukraine. The European Commission will also help European industry to increase ammunition production.
Minister Wopke Hoekstra: “We must continue to do everything we can to support Ukraine in the fight against Putin’s terrible war of aggression. Today, as the EU, we have taken an important and major step to be able to sustain that support on a structural basis.”
As far as Minister Kajsa Ollongren is concerned, there is no time to lose.
“Ukraine desperately needs that ammunition. We therefore speak with the industry, instead of about industry.”
The EPF is very important for member states to continue their support to Ukraine, among others. The support from the EPF is extensive. In addition, the facility is used to support missions and operations in other parts of the world.
However, the budget is under pressure. The Netherlands has therefore called for this to be raised.