European Union’s Military Support to Ukraine: Enhancing Defence Readiness

In a pivotal meeting conducted on 28 May 2024, European leaders discussed the evolving dynamics of military support to Ukraine amidst heightened geopolitical tensions. The discussion underscored a significant shift in EU defence strategy, marked by a newfound emphasis on readiness and robust military capabilities.

Two years ago, terms like "Rapid Deployment Force" were cautiously avoided in favour of more neutral language like "Rapid Deployment Capacity." However, the urgency brought about by the conflict in Ukraine has prompted a re-evaluation. Now, there is a consensus on the need for a decisive "Rapid Deployment Force" to bolster EU defence preparedness against current and future threats.

The meeting, attended by Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov via videoconference and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in person, focused on enhancing military assistance to Ukraine. Discussions encompassed commitments to air defence systems, ammunition supplies, and the allocation of €6.6 billion under the Ukrainian Assistance Fund, pending approval due to ongoing unanimity challenges among Member States.

A critical point of discussion was the use of windfall profits from frozen Russian assets, with 90% earmarked for military support initiatives through the European Peace Facility. There was also debate surrounding the lifting of restrictions on Western weapons for Ukrainian forces, particularly for defensive actions within Russian territory, a decision left to individual Member States.

Addressing EU defence readiness, leaders highlighted the necessity to reduce dependency on non-EU suppliers and emphasized collective spending for greater European autonomy in defence procurement. The European Defence Industrial Strategy and efforts to integrate Ukraine’s defence industry into the EU’s industrial ecosystem were key topics.

Looking ahead, the upcoming European Council will deliberate on financing strategies to meet security and defence needs, guided by assessments from the European Defence Agency’s Coordinated Annual Review on Defence.

The meeting concluded with a call for closer collaboration with global partners at the Schuman Forum on Security and Defence, underscoring the EU’s commitment to forging alliances to address shared challenges from various geopolitical hotspots.

As Europe navigates these complexities, the focus remains steadfast on fortifying defence capabilities, fostering strategic partnerships, and ensuring timely support for Ukraine’s defence efforts amidst ongoing conflict. 

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