Ukraine Could Join the EU Defence Fund Before 2026
The European Parliament plans to adopt a decision by the end of the year that will open the way for Ukraine to participate in the European Defense Fund (EDF), a key instrument for strengthening the EU's defense capabilities.
The Gaze reports on it, referring to European Pravda.
According to Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Security and Defense, a vote on the EU's Comprehensive Defense Package is planned in the near future in order to prepare for the next stage of the European Union's defense agenda.
European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius noted that a “mini-omnibus” defense package had recently been agreed upon, which will open up the possibility for Ukraine to join the European Defense Fund.
The project also provides for increased investment in joint defense research through EU programs — Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, STEP, and others — as part of the ReArm Europe initiative.
It is expected that Ukraine's accession to the EDF will enable Ukrainian companies to participate in joint research and development projects in the field of defense.
After approval by the European Parliament, the document must be ratified by the EU Council.
The EDF is a Commission instrument to support defense research and development within the European Union. Its goal is to promote cooperation between companies and research organizations across the Union, attract investment in defense capabilities through investment, and develop advanced defense technologies.
The fund's budget for 2021-2027 is approximately €7.3 billion, most of which is earmarked for the development of the defense capabilities of member states and their partners.
Earlier, the European Commission allocated €910 million under the 2024 European Defence Fund to strengthen Europe’s defence industry by boosting innovation, addressing capability gaps such as mobility and drone defence, and— for the first time—allowing Ukrainian defence industries to participate in EDF projects.
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