BRUSSELS — European Union (EU) lawmakers voted on Tuesday to deepen the bloc’s defense industry integration with Ukraine, amid ongoing uncertainties in U.S.-led peace efforts and Russia’s unconventional military operations. The European Parliament approved a 1.5-billion euro ($1.7 billion) program, with 300 million euros ($345 million) earmarked for the Ukraine Support Instrument.
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French EU lawmaker Raphaël Glucksmann said the program will help build a “more resilient and sovereign Europe” by partnering with Ukraine to develop a cutting-edge military industrial complex. “This is key to making sure we can protect our democracies effectively and autonomously,” he added.
EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius told lawmakers that Ukrainian defense innovations are vital to the bloc. Allowing Ukrainian companies to access the EU Defence Investment Program will enable procurement of equipment in, with, and for Ukraine, he said, without addressing ongoing peace negotiations.
The European Union votes to deepen defense industry ties with Ukrainehttps://t.co/8hb6Y8MHvA pic.twitter.com/PByAxV13vB
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EU defense spending is projected to reach 392 billion euros ($450 billion) this year, almost double the pre-war level in 2018. The European Commission estimates about 3.4 trillion euros ($4 trillion) could be spent on defense over the next decade, with plans to boost the EU’s long-term budget for defense and space to 131 billion euros ($153 billion).
Member states are being encouraged to procure most military equipment within the EU, with support for financial incentives, tax breaks, and collaborative projects that no single country can manage alone. These include initiatives such as Eastern Flank Watch, Drone Defense Initiative, and Space Shield, with Ukrainian participation expected to inject innovation into the bloc’s defense industry.
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Kubilius emphasized that strengthening Europe’s defense industry ensures geopolitical power and security, preventing stronger nations from dominating weaker ones. “That is why I am for a strong Europe and a strong European defense industry,” he said, referencing Lithuania’s historic experience under Soviet occupation.