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EU Funds Joint Weapon Purchases for Ukraine
The EU approves €300 million for joint weapons purchases by member states, mainly for Ukraine, marking the first use of the EU budget for this purpose. This aims to address critical defense gaps and support Ukraine's war effort.
Russian
Germany
Germany UkraineEuropean UnionEuMilitary TechnologyFundingDefenseWeapons
European UnionEuropean CommissionEuropean Parliament
Margrethe VestagerUrsula Von Der LeyenAndrius Kubilius
- What is the main purpose of the EU's recently approved funding?
- The European Union approved funding for joint procurement of weapons, including missiles and ammunition, by member states for Ukraine. Five projects, each receiving €60 million, totaling €300 million, are part of the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIRPA). This is the first time the EU budget has been used for this purpose.
- What is Andrius Kubilius's stance on future EU defense spending?
- Kubilius advocates for increased EU defense spending, stating that at least €10 billion is needed until 2028 to ensure self-defense. This follows the European Commission's approval of a €1.5 billion European Defence Industrial Programme in March.
- What is the significance of this funding in the context of the EU's defense capabilities?
- The aim is to address critical gaps in the EU's defense capabilities, exacerbated by providing military aid to Ukraine. The selected projects primarily focus on procuring weapons, including air and missile defense systems and ammunition, for Ukraine.
- How many countries are involved in the EDIRPA projects, and what types of weapons are being procured?
- The EDIRPA projects involve up to nine countries each, with around 20 member states participating overall. The purchases will include air and missile defense systems, armored vehicles, and ammunition. Some projects specifically aim to fill critical gaps in EU defense capabilities.
- Who is the EU Commissioner responsible for overseeing this defense program, and what are their main goals?
- Andrius Kubilius, the new EU Commissioner for Defence and Space, will oversee the implementation of the European Defence Industrial Development Programme. His role is to bolster European defense and increase investments in industrial capacity, aiming to improve the EU's ability to provide timely military aid to Ukraine.