The speed, cost-efficiency, and ingenuity of Ukraine’s defense production are remarkable, but the country’s defense industry is currently operating at just 60% of its full capacity. This was stated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a speech at the European Parliament on July 9, ahead of the plenary debate on the conclusions of the June 26 European Council meeting.
“The speed, cost-efficiency, and cleverness of Ukraine’s defense production are impressive. But their defense industry is only running at 60% of its full capacity. Now, EU member states can take out loans under the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) program to procure equipment directly from Ukraine’s defense industry. For our member states, this means top quality, speed, and low prices. For Ukraine, it means vital revenue and the chance to strengthen its defense industrial base,” said von der Leyen.
She emphasized the urgency of EU rearmament, pointing out that “Russia is rearming fast.”
“Just a week ago, Russia launched the deadliest and most extensive wave of attacks against Ukraine since the start of the war — over 500 missiles and drones in just a few hours. The war is not over. The threat from Russia remains. This is the reality we must keep in mind when we talk about defense. We cannot rely on others to defend Europe. Defending Europe is our responsibility,” she stressed.
Von der Leyen informed MEPs that under the €150 billion SAFE program, ten EU countries have already expressed interest in taking out loans for joint arms procurement. She believes more countries will join this initiative.
She also pointed to recent progress in recognizing the urgency of boosting EU defense, highlighting the publication of the EU “Readiness 2030” White Paper. The ReArm Europe plan sets out the tools needed to rapidly increase defense investment to €800 billion by 2030 — ensuring a major boost in EU military spending.
The Commission President reminded Parliament that the European Council had tasked the Commission with presenting a Defense Readiness Roadmap by October to identify gaps in member states’ defense production capabilities.
“Our defense industry must be able to consolidate, scale, and accelerate,” von der Leyen concluded.
