The EC has prepared a defense strategy to rearm the bloc and bolster support for Ukraine.

The EU intends to launch a large-scale initiative to develop its defense industry, aimed at deterring Russia and supporting Ukraine amid a reduction in the US military presence in Europe. A draft of the so-called White Paper on defense was created by European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius and the EU’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas.

Key points of the new EU defense policy include:

1. Preference for weapons production within the EU or in partner countries
2. Joint weapons procurement to lower military contract costs
3. Simplified defense project financing
4. Elimination of critical security gaps, particularly in air defense systems and military mobility
5. Reduced bureaucratic procedures for investors in the defense sector

“The need to deter Russian armed aggression will remain even after a just and lasting peace agreement with Ukraine,” the draft document emphasizes.

An additional priority is to provide Ukraine with the necessary military resources to negotiate a just and enduring peace from a position of strength.

Consequently, the EU plans to:

1. Supply Ukraine with 1.5 million artillery shells
2. Transfer new air defense systems
3. Continue training the Ukrainian military
4. Order weapons from the Ukrainian defense sector
5. Involve Ukraine in the EU’s military financial mechanisms
6. Expand military corridors for transporting equipment and troops to Ukraine

Initial steps will include easing budget restrictions for EU countries to boost defense spending, reaching an agreement among EU members on jointly financing 35% of defense expenditures, and launching a €1.5B European Defense Industry Program.