On Wednesday, European Union nations consented to allocate €5 billion towards Ukraine’s military support, an important boost amidst their ongoing battle against Russian invasion. This has been agreed in a meeting in Brussels, as part of a overhaul contribution to the European Peace Facility (EPF) fund, after lengthy discussions, primarily involving France and Germany.
The EPF fund functions as a substantial cashback scheme, refunding EU nations for sending armaments across international lines. EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, affirmed this commitment on social media platform X, stating that the EU is prepared to provide all necessary support to Ukraine.
France advocated for a firm “Buy European” policy for eligible refunded arms, prioritising European defence industries. However, countering views suggested that this might hinder efforts to speedily secure weapons from across the world for Ukraine. Germany, the major contributor of bilateral military aid to Ukraine in Europe, called for these contributions to be considered when establishing each country’s financial commitments to the fund.
A middle ground was found allowing the opportunity for flexibility in adhering to the “Buy European” policies, and taking into account the bilateral aid portion in the computation of member states’ financial input.
Ukrainian foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, greeted this as an impactful and timely show of European solidarity and determination in striving for a mutual triumph. He awaits the final decree to be ratified in the imminent EU Foreign Affairs Council assembly.
The concluding text advocates for the scheme to prioritise the European defence industry, permitting exceptions and flexibility when European supplies are unable to meet Ukrainian needs in a timely manner. A Czech proposed initiative to buy hundreds of thousands of urgently required artillery shells from outside Europe might be financially supported through this flexibility allowance in the fund.
The EPF has already assigned roughly €6.1 billion for Ukraine’s military aid, per the EU’s records. Mr Borrell suggested the establishment of a new financial resource specifically for aiding Kiev, within the EPF, potentially providing up to €5 billion per year for the forthcoming four years. This proposal instigated extended discussions about future aid guidelines, culminating in Wednesday’s consensus.
The agreement encompasses strategies to appease Hungary, a nation that in the past has hindered disbursements from the EPF and expressed its unwillingness to have its contributions utilised for Ukraine’s weaponry. According to EU officials, the arrangement ensures that Hungary’s contributions will be earmarked for military support to various countries instead.
Belgium’s foreign minister and the present representative of the EU’s cyclical presidency, Hadja Lahbib, asserted that abundant and systematically provided armaments and equipment are required by Ukraine. They proclaimed, “Europe upholds its commitment. Our liberty is put to the test.” as reported by Reuters.