The European Commission presented the member states with a draft decision on providing Ukraine with long-term obligations in the field of security. It includes a mechanism of long-term military support, training of the armed forces and support for the development of the state's defence industry.
What are the details of the project
EU ambassadors will discuss the draft document this week and the member states' leaders at a summit next month.
The framework program of the European Union includes the following proposals:
"a predictable, efficient, sustainable and long-term mechanism for the supply of military equipment to Ukraine", which mobilizes the European defence industry;
training of service members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
expanding cooperation with the Ukrainian defence industry to increase capacities and harmonize standards;
strengthening Ukraine's ability to resist cyber threats and hybrid threats, as well as disinformation;
supporting Ukraine's efforts to clear mines and solve the problem of pollution caused by explosive residues;
assisting Ukraine in its reform program related to the EU accession process, as well as improving its ability to control stockpiles of firearms, weapons and ammunition and to counter any illicit trafficking;
supporting Ukraine's energy transition and nuclear safety efforts;
exchange of intelligence and satellite images.
It is also noted that the plan will form the basis of consultations with Ukraine and the "Big Seven" countries.
EU support is at risk
It should be noted that the discussion of such a plan is taking place against the background of the failure of the European Union to fulfil its obligation to provide the Defense Forces of Ukraine with one million artillery ammunition by March 2024, as well as against the background of negotiations on long-term aid, which have "reached a dead end", the publication notes.
The document states that support for the supply of weapons will continue to be provided through the "European Peace Fund" — a mechanism that reimburses member states for what they supply to Ukraine.
The EU's initial plan to allocate 20 billion euros ($21.8 billion) over four years to compensate Ukraine for arms transfers remains at risk of collapse after some member states, including Germany, failed to comply, an EU diplomat told reporters. Agree on terms.
Instead, EU countries hope to reach an agreement on allocating 5 billion euros for 2024 with commitments to continue support in the future, writes Bloomberg.
EU leaders are also expected to officially discuss the European Commission's recommendation to start membership negotiations with Ukraine at the December summit.
Let us remind you that Hungary blocks some flows of support for Ukraine from the EU — Budapest wants Brussels first to discuss its joint strategy about Kyiv, said another diplomat.
