Joint press release by the European Union and Ukraine on strengthening military industry ties at the EU-Ukraine Defence Industries Forum
European Commission
Press release
May 13, 2025
Brussels
The second EU-Ukraine Defence Industry Forum took place in Brussels on 12 May to bolster cooperation and integration between the Ukrainian and EU defence industries. More than 500 representatives from EU and Ukraine defence industries came together to strengthen cooperation between both sides, to encourage joint procurement and help Ukraine to obtain capabilities in priority areas. A strong and capable defence industry is crucial to put Ukraine in a position of strength to defend itself and deter any future aggression.
In the margins of the Forum, a newly announced EU-Ukraine Task Force on Defence Industrial Cooperation also met for the first time, paving the way for potential flagship projects between the EU and Ukrainian defence industries.
Closer cooperation between defence companies will contribute to further integrating the Ukrainian defence industry into the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB), aligning with Ukrainian EU aspirations and the Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030. Under the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 regulation, Ukraine has already been fully associated to ensure alignment between its defence sector and that of the EU. This partnership will enable Ukraine to participate in joint procurement initiatives and allow EU member states to purchase from Ukrainian defence industries.
At the Forum, Ukraine and the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) have also signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen defence industrial cooperation. The initiatives are designed to attract greater EU investment in Ukraine's defence sector and deepen industrial ties between the two sides.
To date, the EU is the largest public investor in the Ukrainian defence industry, with a significant investment of €1.4 billion from 'windfall profits' (obtained from net profits from immobilised Russian Central Bank assets). This support will accelerate the production of military equipment, from artillery systems to drones, significantly supporting Ukraine's defence efforts, bolster Ukraine's economy and the EU's long-term security guarantees to Ukraine.
The EU and its Member States continue to work on delivering more and faster military assistance to Ukraine, notably through the European Peace Facility funding instrument. The EU supports common procurement between Member States and Ukraine and encourages procurement from the Ukrainian defence industry alongside joint ventures between the European and Ukrainian defence industries.
The event was organised by the EU and hosted by the High Representative Kaja Kallas and Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius, together with the Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine Herman Smetanin. It received support from the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU and the Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD).
Background
The Forum is part of a series of international defence industries events initiated by the Ukrainian government in Kyiv in September 2023.
The concept of the EU-Ukraine Defence Industry Forum was first proposed by the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS). The inaugural edition was organised by the EU on 6 May 2024. The Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness has proposed measures to associate Ukraine to the EU-level collective activities to develop defence capabilities, and to integrate the Ukrainian defence industry into the European Defence Technology and Industrial Base, in particular with a view to Ukraine's accession process to the EU.
The EU and Member States have committed to continue addressing Ukraine's pressing military and defence needs. To date, the EU and Member States have delivered €50.3 billion military assistance to Ukraine. Under the European Peace Facility, the EU has provided lethal and non-lethal military equipment to Ukraine, including ammunition, as well as covered common costs for the training of over 74,000 Ukrainian soldiers trained so far by the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM).
At the Foreign Affairs Council on 14 April 2025, a large majority of Member States expressed support for the High Representative's ammunition initiative to provide 2 million rounds of large-calibre ammunition in 2025, as requested by President Zelenskyy. Two-thirds of the target are already met. 25 Member States will actively participate in the provision of ammunition to Ukraine under this initiative. In addition, Norway will support the acquisition of ammunition under the initiative for a total value of 5 billion NOK (approx. €428 million).
Quote(s)
The EU is the biggest champion for Ukraine's defence industry and with a total 1.4 billion euro, we've now provided more funding than anyone else. A strong Ukrainian defence industry is fundamental for Ukraine's security. At the same time, Ukrainian defence companies have been trailblazers over the last three years and there's a lot that other European companies can learn. At the Defence Industry Forum we bring the two together, encourage more collaboration and pave the way for the integration of Ukraine's defence industry into the European ecosystem.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission
Ukraine's defence is an integral part of European defence, and the establishment of the EU Defence Industry Office in Kyiv mark a new step in our defence industry cooperation with Ukraine. As we, European, have a lot to learn from Ukraine's battlefield experience, we should not only aim at developing defence systems for Ukraine, but also with Ukraine. This is the spirit of the White Paper for European defence readiness 2030 adopted in March 2025.
Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space
We have achieved significant results since the first Forum in May last year. I am therefore pleased that the EU-Ukraine Defence Industry Forum is becoming a tradition. Some 30 Ukrainian defence companies and associations were here today. It was a good opportunity for them to establish and strengthen relations with their European counterparts. I would like to sincerely thank the entire European community for the incredible support you have provided to Ukraine during the three years of full-scale invasion. I thank the EU member states for defending Ukraine's interests at a high international level and for taking concrete steps to strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities. As the Ukrainian defence industry grows, it makes the whole of Europe more resilient. Together we are stronger!
Herman Smetanin, Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine
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