Ukraine became part of the European Defense Industrial Strategy, which the European Commission presented on March 5.

The strategy has already been allocated €1.5 billion from the EU budget for 2025-2027, with the possibility of expanding funding.

Integration and support of the Ukrainian defense industry have become one of the goals of the European Defense Industrial Strategy (EDIS).

“The aim of the strategy is to strengthen the European defense technology industrial base so that the EU defense industry is able to meet the needs of member states in a timely manner and in sufficient quantities,” the ministry said.

It was added that the impetus for the creation of the first-ever European Defense Industrial Strategy was the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.

The document was created with consideration of the position of Ukrainian departments on defense and protection against Russia’s armed aggression, as well as the vision of the development of the European and Ukrainian defense industry.

Cooperation between the defense industries of Ukraine and Europe is envisioned to strengthen both sides and enable both to benefit from each other.

Proposed is:

• To allow Ukrainian industry to participate in the European Union’s defense support program. Ukraine will be able to participate in joint procurement, and Ukrainian defense companies will be supported in capacity building and cooperation with European industry.
• The document also refers to stimulating cooperation between Ukrainian and European industry and the exchange of information on standards and experience.
• To bolster cooperation, the EU will host an EU-Ukraine Defence Industry Forum in 2024.
• The EU will open an Innovation Office in Kyiv to facilitate interaction between EU start-ups and innovators and Ukrainian industry and the Armed Forces.

The European Defence Industrial Strategy is accompanied by the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP). This is a document that prescribes the mechanism for implementing the Strategy and is a legislative initiative in the future. It is to be approved by the European Parliament and the Council of Europe.

The document states that in view of Ukraine’s future accession to the EU, it is necessary that EDIP enhances cooperation with Ukraine at the industrial level. Within the EU’s future security commitments to Ukraine, it should foster greater cooperation with the Ukrainian defense industry to boost its capacity to deliver for the immediate needs, as well as to work towards alignment of standards and improved interoperability.

EDIP provides for:

• Open membership in European Defense Support Programmes for Ukraine.
• A separate budget line to support Ukraine’s defense industry and defense companies.
• To finance this budget item, a share of the proceeds from frozen Russian sovereign assets may be used, among other things. This requires a decision of the EU Council on the proposal of the High Representative.

This step will support the capacities of the Ukrainian defense industry, integrate it into the EU’s defense industrial base, and bring the country closer to EU membership.