Norway and the EU Reach Agreement on Allocation of Funds for Ukraine's Defence
The Kingdom of Norway has signed an agreement with the European Union to provide a new financial contribution to the European Peace Fund (EPF) to supply military assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
This was reported in an official EU statement
According to the report, "responding to the needs of Ukraine", Norway will focus its assistance on financing the supply of ammunition and spare parts for Leopard II tanks.
"Today's signing formalises this decision and ensures that the agreement can enter into force and Norway can effectively contribute to the supply of military equipment to Ukraine," the statement said.
Back on 14 February, Norway announced its intention to support Ukraine with a voluntary contribution of NOK 250 million (about €22 million).
The current contribution brings the total contribution of the Kingdom of Norway to NOK 400 million. This is "a confirmation of Norway's close cooperation with the EU on security and defence issues" and Norway's strong support for Ukraine.
"The joint efforts of the EU and Norway in providing military assistance to Ukraine are an exemplary example of how synergies can have a multiplier effect on our support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression," said Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 to finance Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) measures in the military and defence spheres to prevent conflict, "preserve peace and strengthen international security and stability".
At the same time, the Peace Fund allows financing support for non-EU countries, as well as regional and international organisations related to military and defence issues.
On 25 July, the Lithuanian National Defence Council approved a long-term support plan for Ukraine, which includes the supply of existing and newly arrived Lithuanian equipment, the purchase of lethal and non-lethal weapons, the repair of military equipment in Lithuania, as well as training and rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers.