EU hosts defence forum to rally Europe’s military industry behind Ukraine
The defense industry forum took place in Brussels, focusing on enhancing collaboration and boosting ammunition production for Kyiv amid Russia’s continued hostilities.
On Monday, the European Union organized a defense industry forum aimed at devising strategies to provide Kyiv with essential weapons and ammunition.
The forum, attended by approximately 140 companies from 25 countries in Brussels, sought to connect Ukraine’s defense sector with those in the EU.
During the meeting, industry leaders discussed aligning Ukraine’s defense production capabilities with Europe’s.
They also explored ways for Ukrainian companies to increase production to satisfy domestic needs, reducing transportation costs and producing the necessary equipment locally.
Josep Borrell, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, emphasized the importance of local production in Ukraine, noting it would cut costs, shorten delivery times, and better meet local demands.
Supporting Ukraine’s military remains challenging for its allies, especially as Russia has targeted Kyiv’s industrial capabilities to undermine its resistance over two years into the full-scale invasion.
Ukrainian Minister for Strategic Industries, Oleksandr Kamyshin, highlighted the urgency of securing additional funding for the Ukrainian defense industry to support the armed forces directly at the frontlines.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin signaled its readiness for nuclear weapons drills as a deterrent to Ukraine’s allies, and Ukraine extended martial law to strengthen defenses in occupied regions.
These developments accompany a proposed European Defense Industrial Strategy aimed at enhancing the EU’s defense industrial preparedness in light of renewed high-intensity conflicts in Europe.
The strategy includes a proposal for €1.5 billion in funding to bolster the European defense industry, benefiting the EU, NATO, and key allies like Ukraine.
This marks the first EU-hosted forum, following earlier editions in Ukraine in 2022 and the US in 2023.
