The EU Commission wants to present a plan to the member states of the union to ensure the supply of ammunition to Ukraine and the replenishment of stockpiles of the EU countries.

German Der Spiegel reported on this.

According to the information obtained by the publication, the document for discussion, which the Commission will present to the Ambassadors of the member countries on February 2, proposes a plan containing three parts:

The first step provides for the immediate increase in the delivery of ammunition, in particular the 155 mm artillery shells, to Ukraine. Josep Borrell, EU Foreign Affairs Representative, will soon propose an additional support package worth one billion euros which will include the delivery of ammunition, primarily 155 mm.

The second step covers a joint purchase of 155 mm ammunition by the European Defense Agency (EDA) to fill the gaps in the EU countries’ stocks and ensure the long-term supply for Ukraine.

The third step is intended to secure the long-term increase in European ammunition production capacities to consider the changed security situation.

The emergency assistance on the first step should occur according to an already formed scheme: EU countries will supply ammunition to Ukraine, and in return, they will receive monetary compensation from the European Peace Fund (EPF).

The second part of the plan contains a clear message: the time when peace in Europe was considered secure is over. The situation has fundamentally changed with Russia’s attack on Ukraine, and EU countries should consider this by purchasing more ammunition in the long term.

This part of the plan is to be implemented through the EDA project. EU member states and Ukraine should present their munitions needs to “place a large order and give the industry a clear demand signal,” the document says.

According to the Commission, the defense industry will be ready to increase its production capacity only if it is sure of the orders in the long term. The commission also hopes that joint ordering will lead to significantly lower prices than before.

With the third part of the plan, it is necessary to solve the problem of the rapid reduction of artillery ammunition stocks in the EU countries and their production capabilities that do not meet modern needs.

The Commission sees itself as a mediator and organizer, advancing the project by identifying gaps in production capacity and assisting with procurement. The Commission’s leadership sees the actual responsibility in the industry and the governments of the EU states.

Defense Ministers from those countries are expected to discuss the proposals at the informal meeting in Stockholm early next week. Decisions can be made already at the next Heads of State and Government summit at the end of March.