EU Council and European Parliament Agree to Speed Up Ammunition Production
The Council of the European Union has agreed with the European Parliament on the Ammunition Support Act (ASAP), a document that will enable EU countries to increase ammunition production.
This was reported by the European Council.
This decision will help attract an additional €500 million from the European budget to expand the production capacity of artillery shells, missiles and surface-to-surface munitions.
At the same time, the adoption of the document will strengthen the ability of European partners to provide long-term military support to Ukraine and increase the defence capabilities of EU member states.
"Thanks to today's record-breaking agreement on ASAP, the EU will strengthen and accelerate its own production of ammunition and missiles in Europe. This is further proof of the EU's unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine, strengthening the EU's defence technology and industrial base and ultimately ensuring the long-term security and safety of EU citizens," said Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles.
The document is expected to help introduce the so-called "Enhancement Fund", which will make it easier for European ammunition manufacturers to access public and private funding. In particular, under this instrument, support will be provided in the form of grants.
Currently, the pre-approved agreement is awaiting legal and linguistic review, after which it will be formally adopted by the EU Council and the European Parliament. The law is expected to enter into force by the end of July.
It is worth recalling that the war started by Russia in Ukraine has put the European defence market in front of an unprecedented challenge, as European leaders were forced to step up their efforts to provide military assistance to Kyiv.
Thus, in March this year, the EU Council agreed to provide Ukraine with 1 million pieces of artillery ammunition over the next 12 months.
However, the Ukrainian side and independent international analysts regularly state that there is a shortage of ammunition, which is critical for Kyiv's defensive actions against the superior strength of the Russian army.
Earlier today, a number of Western media outlets reported that the White House would soon announce the provision of cluster munitions to Ukraine.