Ukraine Hails EU Defense Roadmap as “Turning Point” in Europe’s Security Strategy
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal has hailed the European Commission’s newly unveiled defense roadmap as a turning point in the European Union’s approach to security.
The Gaze reports this, referring to Shmyhal's post on social media platform X.
The European Commission this week presented a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening Europe’s defense readiness through 2030, outlining measures to counter aerial, maritime, and space threats while expanding the EU’s defense industrial base. The plan designates Ukraine as a key element of the EU’s collective security framework.
“The agreement on the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) marks another decisive step towards a stronger and more secure Europe,” Shmyhal wrote on X. “Integrating Ukraine’s defence industry into the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base is not just about resilience – it’s about Europe’s ability to defend peace.”
The initiative builds on the EU’s broader efforts to reduce dependence on U.S. weapons and to coordinate defense procurement among member states.
Earlier this week, EU officials approved €1.5 billion in grants through 2027 to strengthen European defense capabilities, with roughly one-fifth of the funds earmarked for cooperation with Ukraine.
Under the plan, known as the European Defence Industry Programme, the EU will channel new resources into joint projects, promote industrial interoperability, and cap the use of non-EU components in defense production at 35% of final product value.
EU Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius said the roadmap also includes a proposal to grant Ukraine a “reparations loan” financed by frozen Russian assets by the end of 2025. He emphasized that several European defense initiatives could be implemented jointly with Kyiv.
Shmyhal expressed gratitude to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Commissioner Kubilius, and Commissioner for Technology Henna Virkkunen for preparing the plan, calling it “a step toward a stronger, safer, and united Europe.”
As The Gaze previously reported, the European Commission proposed four “flagship” defense projects, including a system to combat drones and strengthen the eastern border, to prepare the EU for self-defense by 2030.