EU Defence Ministers agreed this March at an informal meeting in Stockholm on a large-scale action plan for delivering ammunition to Ukraine and for joint acquisition of weaponry through EU institutions and mechanisms. EU member states agreed to an ambitious political commitment to ensure delivery of 1 million ammunition rounds to Ukraine over the period of 12 months.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell briedfed the Ministers today that member states already had supplied Ukraine with a significant amount of ammunition which is critical to its readiness to reoccupy its territories. Eurocommisioner Thierry Breton reported his visits to 29 industry companies in 15 member states and his commitment to make every effort to ramp up industrial manufacturing which is necessary to ensure additional ammunition to Ukraine and replenishment of member states’ stocks.
“Ukraine has entered a critical phase of war, therefore the European Union and member states must fulfil their commitment to Ukraine and provide the million rounds of ammunition as soon as possible. Ukraine’s victory in this war will be the foundation of a lasting peace in Europe,” underscored Vice Minister Ž. Tomkus.
Ž. Tomkus confirmed Lithuania’s readiness to take part in the joint acquisition of ammunition to be initiated by EU institutions and other countries. According to Vice Minister, the most important task now is to ensure the fastest possible ammunition delivery to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, that is why Lithuania expects concrete contracts with terms of conditions to be public within months.
Lithuania also actively supports the need to maintain flexibility in EU formats by acquiring ammunition not only from EU member states but also third party partners. It is critical given the risk the European defence industry may face challenges in meeting the ammunition supply to Ukraine targets in a timely manner.
Vice Minister also attended the EDA Steering Board meeting today where the first lessons learned from the war in Ukraine were discussed, as well as which capabilities ought to be developed by the EU in cooperation with NATO to maintain readiness for crises.
