EU defense ministers could discuss the proposals at an informal meeting in Stockholm early next week, and decisions could be made at the next summit of heads of state and government at the end of March.
The European Commission wants to present to member states a plan that will ensure the supply of ammunition to Ukraine and replenish stocks in EU countries. European Truth writes about this in connection with Spiegel.
The plan is said to have three components.
The first part provides for an immediate increase in the supply of ammunition to Ukraine. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is about to offer a further €1bn support package for this purpose, mainly for the supply of 155mm shells.
The second part provides for the joint purchase of 155-mm ammunition by the European Defense Agency EDA to fill gaps in the stocks of EU countries and ensure supplies to Ukraine in the long term.
The third is designed to ensure a long-term increase in ammunition production capacities in Europe, taking into account the changing situation.
It was noted that assistance under the first part will be provided according to an established procedure: EU countries provide ammunition to Ukraine, and in return receive money from the European Peace Fund (EPF).
The second part of the plan contains a clear message: the time when peace in Europe was considered certain is over, and EU countries must take this into account – by acquiring more ammunition for a long time.
This should happen with the help of the EDA project. EU member states and Ukraine must combine their needs to “place bulk orders and give the industry a clear signal of demand.” According to the European Commission, if the industry is confident that such demand exists, it will be ready to increase its production capacity in the long term.
It is known that 25 of the 27 countries in the EU and Norway have already expressed interest in participating in the project, which will last seven years.
The third part should solve the main problem: the “rapid decrease” in the stocks of ammunition in the EU countries and insufficient capacity for their production, which should now be “rapidly increased”.
EU defense ministers are expected to discuss the proposals at an informal meeting in Stockholm early next week, and decisions could be made at the next summit of heads of state and government at the end of March.
It was previously reported that the EC presented the 10th package of sanctions against Russia
EC chief: It’s time to speed up the production of shells
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.