France is delaying the process of purchasing artillery ammunition for Ukraine due to its reluctance to enter markets outside the European Union.

Politico reported this.

Two weeks after EU representatives agreed on a plan to supply Ukraine with artillery ammunition, according to which 1 million 155-mm caliber ammunition should be purchased within a year, EU officials are still sorting out the legal details of implementing it.

The bone of contention remains whether these arms contracts will go exclusively to EU companies or also be open to outside manufacturers.

France is pushing for the money to stay within EU borders, several diplomats shared with the media. Greece and Cyprus have also backed Paris — a move some of the diplomats said is linked to their desire to avoid contracts going to Turkish manufacturers.

Plan for providing Ukraine with ammunition

Previously, Militarnyi reported that the EU government adopted a plan for joint procurement of 155-mm artillery ammunition for Ukraine. It should take place in three stages.

The first stage of the plan stipulates an immediate increase in the supply of ammunition to Ukraine from the EU countries’ own stockpiles and financial compensation for military aid to donor countries.

The second stage consists of joint procurement through the European Defence Agency (EDA) of 155-mm ammunition, refilling stocks in the EU countries, and ensuring long-term supplies to Ukraine.

The third part is intended to invest finances in defense enterprises to ensure a long-term increase in ammunition production capacity in Europe.

It is likely that the first joint orders for the production of ammunition are planned to be placed by the end of May.

Problems with the production of ammunition

But in addition to these disputes, there is concern that the EU defense industry lacks the capacity to quickly produce the desired amount of artillery ammunition.

Thus, FT journalists reported that European companies lack components to manufacture ammunition, and there is no question of increasing their production or additional purchases.

In addition, there are concerns that the sharp increase in demand for the products of defense enterprises could only push up prices.