Support for Ukraine is the EU’s first priority in the field of security and defense

Support for Ukraine is called the first priority of the European Union in the field of security and defense. The list of five main priorities was determined on Tuesday, May 28, at a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in the format of defense ministers, reports Interfax Ukraine.

As explained in Brussels, these priorities were determined “in the context of an unprecedented combination of threats and challenges” in the geopolitical sphere.

The first priority of the heads of the defense departments of the European Union countries was called “the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine (…) within internationally recognized borders.”

The next priority “to spend more and better together” highlights “the need to ensure the availability of defense products and strengthen the defense technological and industrial base (EDTIB) of the EU so that it is capable of meeting the needs of the armed forces of Member States and partners.” Among other things, the importance of “strengthening cooperation leading to the gradual integration of the Ukrainian technological and industrial base with the EDTIB” was noted.

The priority “to strengthen the EU’s ability to act” calls the European Peace Facility “a global instrument to support the EU’s objectives in the field of common security and defense policy.” In addition, under this paragraph of the resolution, the council called on the EU Member States to further contribute to the full operation of the rapid deployment capability of the EU collective force by 2025 and to immediately implement the 2024 commitment to military action.

“Strengthening EU stability and protecting access to strategic areas” provides for “strengthening the EU’s prevention, detection, deterrence, resilience and response to hybrid threats, information manipulation and intrusion, cyber threats and malicious activities directed against the EU, its Member States and partners “. In addition, the importance of space, maritime and air spheres for the security and defense of the European Union is pointed out and a call is made for the rapid implementation of a joint document on the relationship between climate and security.

Among the priorities in the field of security and defense, the EU Council includes “continuing to strengthen, deepen and expand an adapted and mutually beneficial cooperation based on common values ​​and interests.”

In particular, the council “reaffirms that the EU’s strategic partnership with NATO, underpinned by strong transatlantic relations, is essential for Euro-Atlantic security and stability.”

Earlier it was reported that Hungary in the EU is blocking 6.5 billion euros for Ukraine. Currently, seven documents are awaiting approval for the allocation of funds in Kyiv.