Council opens access to EU defense programs for Ukrainian defense industry
The Verkhovna Rada has ratified two agreements with the European Union that open access to joint European arms development and production programs for Ukrainian defense companies, startups, and research institutions. This concerns Ukraine's accession to the European Defence Fund and the financial mechanisms of the European Defence Industry Programme.
On September 16, the parliament supported law No. 0390 on ratification of the agreement on Ukraine's participation in the European Defence Fund (EDF). 312 MPs voted in favor. Another 317 MPs supported No. 0391 - ratification of the agreement on financing measures within the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP). Both laws are being prepared for signature after adoption.
Ukrainian companies will be able to participate in European Defence Fund projects
The European Defence Fund finances joint research and development of new defense technologies. Ukraine's accession allows Ukrainian enterprises, startups, universities, and research institutions to form consortia with partners from EU countries and participate in competitions for funding joint defense developments.
The European Commission notes that integrating Ukraine into the EDF should combine the combat experience accumulated by Ukrainian manufacturers with the technological and production capabilities of the European defense industry. The fund itself is used by the EU to support joint development of defense technologies and reduce fragmentation of the European arms market.
Separate funding is provided for production in Ukraine
The second document concerns the European Defence Industry Programme - EDIP. The total budget of its work program is €1.5 billion. Within the program, a separate Ukraine Support Instrument has been created with a budget of about €300 million, aimed at restoring, modernizing, and expanding the Ukrainian defense-industrial base.
In particular, €260 million is provided for joint industrial projects of Ukrainian and European enterprises. Among the priority areas are unmanned and anti-drone systems, missiles, ammunition, and other components necessary for building up defense production. Another part of the funds is directed to defense innovations and startups, in particular through BraveTech EU.
Thus, Ukraine's participation in EU programs will not be limited to the purchase of ready-made weapons. The mechanisms provide for funding of joint research, development, and increase of production capacities, as well as gradual inclusion of Ukrainian enterprises in European defense supply chains.
The agreements were signed in summer in Kyiv
Ukraine and the EU signed both agreements in July during the EU-UA Defence Industry Forum in Kyiv. From the Ukrainian side, they were signed by Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, and from the EU - by European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius.
The European Commission then explained that the agreements should give Ukrainian companies access to European programs, grant funding, and joint defense projects. Ratification by the Verkhovna Rada became a necessary internal stage for the implementation of these agreements.
The EU considers the integration of the Ukrainian defense industry as part of a broader strategy for rearming Europe. In its defense roadmap, the European Commission directly identifies the gradual inclusion of the Ukrainian defense industry into the European defense-technological and industrial base as one of its priorities.
Based on materials from: Verkhovna Rada - No. 0390, Verkhovna Rada - No. 0391, European Commission
