The integration and support of the Ukrainian defence industry has become one of the goals of the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS), which was presented in Brussels on 5 March.
The aim of the strategy is to strengthen the European defence technology industrial base so that the EU defence industry is able to meet the needs of member states in a timely and sufficient manner. The programme has already been allocated EUR 1.5 billion from the EU budget over the period 2025-2027, with the possibility of increasing funding.
The first-ever European Defence Industrial Strategy was prompted by russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine.
“Faced with the return of high intensity warfare in Europe, following russia’s unprovoked, full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Union must swiftly enhance its defence readiness. The rules-based global order is challenged to its core, and countries in the Union’s vicinity and beyond are increasingly affected by tensions, instability, hybrid threats and armed conflicts. These developments are challenging our security, prosperity, and democratic values,” the Strategy says.
It should be noted that during the development of the document, consultations were held with the relevant Ukrainian agencies on Ukraine’s experience in defence and protection against russia’s armed aggression, as well as its vision of the development of the European and Ukrainian defence industries. The Ministry for Strategic Industries submitted its proposals, which were partially taken into account by the European Commission.
Cooperation between the defence industries of Ukraine and Europe is envisaged, which will strengthen both sides and enable both to benefit from each other.
• It is proposed that the Ukrainian industry be able to participate in the EU’s defence support programme. Ukraine will have the opportunity to participate in joint procurement, and Ukrainian defence companies will be supported in building capacity and cooperation with the European industry.
• It will also stimulate cooperation between Ukrainian and European industries and exchange of information on standards and experience.
• To bolster cooperation, the EU will host an EU-Ukraine Defence Industry Forum in 2024.
• The EU will open an Innovation Office in Kyiv to facilitate interaction between EU start-ups and innovators and Ukrainian industry and Armed Forces.
The European Defence Industrial Strategy is accompanied by the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP). This is a document that prescribes the mechanism for implementing the Strategy and is a legislative initiative in the future. It is to be approved by the European Parliament and the Council of Europe.
“In view of Ukraine’s future accession to the EU, it is necessary that EDIP enhances cooperation with Ukraine at industrial level. As part of the EU’s future security commitments to Ukraine, the EU should foster greater cooperation with the Ukrainian DTIB to boost its capacity to deliver for the immediate needs, as well as to work towards alignment of standards and improved interoperability,” the document says.
EDIP provides for:
• Open membership in European Defence Support Programmes for Ukraine.
• A separate budget line to support Ukraine’s defence industry and defence companies.
• To finance this budget item, a share of the proceeds from frozen russian sovereign assets may be used, among other things. This requires a decision of the EU Council on the proposal of the High Representative.
This step will support the capacities of the Ukrainian defence industry, integrate it into the EU’s defence industrial base, and bring the country closer to EU membership.
