The EU and Ukraine have established a new working group to enhance defense cooperation.

Deputy Secretary-General of the EU External Action Service Charles Fries stated that this initiative aims to develop practical solutions for defense-industrial collaboration. He emphasized that the EU employs every possible resource to assist Ukraine while integrating it into the European defense, technological, and industrial frameworks.

However, he pointed out that integration challenges are causing delays in producing essential short-range missile defense systems and drones. Fries added that companies from both sides have raised concerns regarding financing access and the certification of their products. The working group will aim to eliminate these barriers.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Minister of Strategic Industries Herman Smetanin highlighted that collaboration with Europe has led to an increase in the Ukrainian defense industry’s production potential, growing from $12B to $35B last year. Currently, Ukraine manufactures over 30% of its weapons and ammunition independently.