The European Union wants European defense companies to produce more weapons in Ukraine. This will help not only save transportation costs but also reduce the time of arms delivery. This was stated by the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell on the eve of the Ukraine-EU defense industry forum.
What Josep Borrell said
More than 140 firms from 25 different countries gathered at the conference in Brussels. The EU’s top diplomat says the goal of this forum is to compare the capabilities of the Ukrainian defense industry with those of the European industry. He noted that the number of companies participating in today’s meeting indicates an interest in expanding production capacities.
“It is important for production to take place in Ukraine by Ukrainian companies with the support of EU companies. In this way, we will save transportation costs and produce where it is needed”, – said Borrell.
This is the third defense industry forum, but for the first time it is taking place at the Ukraine-EU level. Josep Borrell adds that the result of the meeting should be the involvement and integration of the Ukrainian defense industry into the ecosystem of European defense capabilities. The EU is ready to provide funding for further projects, including through the European Peace Fund. Borrell also expects that after the agreement on the use of income from frozen assets of the Russian Federation, these funds will also be directed to Ukraine.
“Ukraine is a country at war. This is not just production under normal conditions. That is why the industry must understand that, firstly, there is a possibility. Secondly, there is a risk. Thirdly, there is financing”, noted the EU High Representative.
Borrell emphasized that cooperation between European and Ukrainian defense industries is already taking place. In particular, Denmark has become the first country to procure weapons from Ukrainian manufacturers for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Currently, all EU member states are studying this experience.
“If the military equipment needed by Ukraine can be quickly produced by the Ukrainian defense industry, I say: let’s buy from them, let’s help them produce at home, and let’s ensure the financial capacity to buy this product,” – said Borrell.
The EU’s top diplomat noted that European companies also have potential that can be realized in Ukraine.
