The EU adopted the first European Defense Industrial Strategy (EDIS) in its history, which, among other things, provides for close cooperation with Ukraine.
This is stated in the material of "Apostrophe".
The goal of the Strategy is to strengthen the European defense industry to a level that would allow it to fully meet the needs of the EU member states. It is planned to allocate €1.5 billion from the EU budget for its implementation in 2025-2027, with the possibility of expanding funding.
The Europeans do not hide the fact that such increased attention to the development of the military-industrial complex is related to the Russian-Ukrainian war.
"Faced with the return of high intensity warfare in Europe, following russia’s unprovoked, full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Union must swiftly enhance its defence readiness. The rules-based global order is challenged to its core, and countries in the Union’s vicinity and beyond are increasingly affected by tensions, instability, hybrid threats and armed conflicts. These developments are challenging our security, prosperity, and democratic values," the Strategy says.
It is not surprising that the strategy pays special attention to the development of military-industrial cooperation with Ukraine.
According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Strategic Industries, when developing the strategy, European officials actively consulted with the Ukrainian government, studied our experience of defense against Russian armed aggression. In addition, they partially took into account proposals for the joint development of the European and Ukrainian defense industries.
Ukraine will be able to join European programs to support the defense industry, Ukrainian companies will be provided with assistance in increasing capacity and cooperation with the European industry. The exchange of information on military equipment developments will also be established.
To realize the goals of the strategy, the EU-Ukraine Defense Industry Forum is scheduled to be held this year. In addition, the EU will open an Innovation Office in Kyiv to ensure interaction between EU startups and innovations, as well as Ukrainian industry and the Armed Forces.
Earlier, EU adopted criminal liability for circumventing sanctions against Russia.