The EU to Open Defence Innovations Office in Ukraine
During the EU-Ukraine Defence Industry Forum today, European Commissioner Thierry Breton announced that the European Union has initiated the process of opening a Defence Innovations Office in Kyiv. This was stated in his video address shown during the forum.
"The EU's strategy aims not only to bolster European defence readiness, but also to strengthen ties between European and Ukrainian defence industries. That's why we are opening a Defence Innovations Office in Kyiv—to bridge the gap between innovative startups in the EU and Ukrainian companies and Armed Forces, so that European startups can assist Ukrainian soldiers on the battlefield. I am pleased that practical work towards this goal has already begun," said Breton.
In turn, Ukrainian Minister of Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamishin announced before the forum's commencement that work is ongoing to define the tasks and structure of the Office.
Also speaking at the forum was EU diplomatic chief Josep Borrell, who expressed the view that EU countries have the opportunity to procure armaments from Ukrainian defence companies and swiftly deliver them for military support to Kyiv.
"Denmark has set an example by beginning direct investment in the Ukrainian defence industry. This is the path we need to take. Procuring equipment from Ukrainian companies or from joint European-Ukrainian enterprises established in Ukraine is an option that we will explore together with member states," said Borrell.
It's worth noting that the EU-Ukraine Defence Industry Forum saw the participation of over 140 companies from 25 EU member countries.
Recall that The Gaze reported that the German military conglomerate Rheinmetall plans to build several new factories, including in Ukraine, Romania, and Hungary, to increase arms production. Specifically, Rheinmetall's project in Hungary is the conglomerate's first major hybrid plant, combining the group's civilian business and defence technology activities under one roof. The facility, set to start operations in August 2025, is part of Rheinmetall Power Systems division.