EU to integrate Ukrainian defense industry into its security structures – von der Leyen
Photo: Reuters
Since Ukraine is a future member of the European Union, the EU should integrate Kyiv's defense industry into the bloc's security structures.
The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stated this during her speech at the European Parliament.
"As we look to the future, we must think of Ukraine's defense capabilities as part of our own defense capabilities. We must think of Ukraine's defense industry as part of our own defense industry," she said.
According to her, Ukraine was involved in preparing the EU's defense and industrial strategy. This is the first step that should lead to the integration of Ukraine into some of the defense programs, if necessary, with the consent of the European Parliament and the Council of Europe.
"This would not only help us cater to Ukraine's defense needs, but it would also encourage convergence and joint planning between our militaries and defense industries. Ukraine is a future member of our European Union. So it must get much closer to us also in the defense field," she added. Ursula von der Leyen.
Shells for Ukraine
As the head of the European Commission noted, countries have currently trained more than 40,000 Ukrainian soldiers.
"Our Union and Member States have mobilized EUR 28 billion worth of military equipment. The European defense industry has increased its production capacity for ammunition by 40%. We will have delivered over half a million rounds of artillery shells by next month. More than 1 million by the end of the year. But this is certainly not enough," she added.
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War for freedom
In her speech, Ursula von der Leyen said that Putin cannot understand: if people are given a choice, they will choose freedom.
"He cannot understand that the fight of the Ukrainians is different to the fight of Russian soldiers whose lives Putin has callously churned for a past long gone and a future that could never exist. Ukraine's sacrifice is the opposite. Why do they fight? Because they are battling, toiling for something existential and inherent to the human condition. This is why Ukraine's will is not just stronger than Russia's; it is fundamentally different in nature and character. And this is what Putin will never comprehend about us," she said.
According to her, Putin's invasion was not only morally but also strategically wrong.
"Instead of toppling Kyiv, dividing the EU and weakening NATO, the exact opposite has happened on each and every count. With the support of the EU and our allies, Ukraine has not only held firm against a bigger country, bigger army and bigger economy. But it has retaken more than half of the territory that Russia occupied from the start of this conflict. They have knocked back Russian offensives last winter – and are doing the same now," added the head of the European Commission.
She is sure that the unbridled spirit of freedom must be remembered here in Europe and throughout the democratic world at this stage of the war.
"There is no time for wavering or navel-gazing. The message Europe sent at last week's European Council was crystal clear, and let me repeat it here: Europe will be at Ukraine's side for every single day of the war and for every single day after that," she said.
Progress of Ukraine
Ursula von der Leyen contrasts with the situation just ten years ago.
"Back then, a pro-Russia regime in Ukraine was passing authoritarian laws and killing protesters on the streets. Today, the country has just given itself new legislation to expand national minority rights, to improve the judicial system, and to ensure checks and balances on power," she said.
According to her, this is what led Brussels to start accession negotiations.
"And this progress is happening not only because Europe is asking for it. This is the deep desire of the people of Ukraine. Ukraine is Europe because Europe is in the hearts and minds of Ukrainians. And soon enough, Ukraine will also be in our Union," the head of the European Commission said.
Ursula von der Leyen concluded her speech with the slogan:
"Glory to Ukraine, and long live Europe."
For reference:
As Rubryka previously reported, Ukraine plans to significantly increase the production of various types of weapons next year: the priority will be missiles and ammunition for anti-aircraft defense.
During a recent national telethon, Deputy Head of the Ministry of Defense Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk announced that the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine aim to significantly increase the production of:
- missiles,
- ammunition,
- armament,
- and military equipment in 2024.
It is worth adding that Ukraine and Belgium plan to establish joint weapons production.
In turn, the German company Rheinmetall is negotiating the construction of a tank plant in Ukraine.
Even earlier, it was reported that Ukroboronprom JSC and the Polish company Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa will jointly produce 125 mm tank shells. Ukraine and Poland signed the corresponding agreement on April 5, 2023.
About 300,000 people have been recruited to work in Ukraine's defense complex.
