The second EU-Ukraine Defence Industries Forum was held in Brussels on May 12 to strengthen military industry ties. Over 500 representatives from the EU and Ukraine gathered to enhance cooperation, promote joint procurement, and assist Ukraine in acquiring essential capabilities. A robust defence industry is key to enabling Ukraine to defend itself and deter future aggression.

The newly established EU-Ukraine Task Force on Defence Industrial Cooperation also convened for the first time, setting the stage for potential flagship projects between the EU and Ukrainian defence industries.

Closer collaboration among defence companies will further integrate the Ukrainian defence industry into the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB), aligning with Ukraines EU ambitions and the Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030. Ukraine is fully associated under the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 regulation to ensure alignment between its defence sector and the EU. This partnership allows Ukraine to engage in joint procurement initiatives and EU member states to purchase from Ukrainian defence industries.

At the Forum, Ukraine and the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance defence industrial cooperation. These initiatives are aimed at attracting more EU investment into Ukraines defence sector and deepening industrial ties.

Currently, the EU is the largest public investor in Ukraines defence industry, contributing €1.4 billion from windfall profits (derived from net profits of immobilized Russian Central Bank assets). This support will boost military equipment production, from artillery systems to drones, significantly supporting Ukraines defence efforts and boosting its economy while strengthening the EUs long-term security commitments to Ukraine.

The EU and its Member States continue to work on delivering more and faster military assistance to Ukraine, notably through the European Peace Facility funding instrument. The EU supports common procurement between Member States and Ukraine and encourages procurement from the Ukrainian defence industry alongside joint ventures between European and Ukrainian defence industries.

The event was organized by the EU and hosted by High Representative Kaja Kallas and Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius, along with the Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine Herman Smetanin. It was supported by the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU and the Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD).

Background

The Forum is part of a series of international defence industries events initiated by the Ukrainian government in Kyiv in September 2023.

The EU-Ukraine Defence Industry Forum concept was first proposed by the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS). The inaugural edition was organized by the EU on May 6, 2024. The Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness has suggested measures to associate Ukraine with EU-level collective activities to develop defence capabilities and integrate the Ukrainian defence industry into the European Defence Technology and Industrial Base, particularly with a view to Ukraines EU accession process.

The EU and Member States have committed to continue addressing Ukraines urgent military and defence needs. To date, the EU and Member States have delivered €50.3 billion in military assistance to Ukraine. Under the European Peace Facility, the EU has provided lethal and non-lethal military equipment to Ukraine, including ammunition, and has covered common costs for training over 74,000 Ukrainian soldiers trained so far by the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM).

At the Foreign Affairs Council on April 14, 2025, a large majority of Member States expressed support for the High Representatives ammunition initiative to provide 2 million rounds of large-calibre ammunition in 2025, as requested by President Zelenskyy. Two-thirds of the target are already met. 25 Member States will actively participate in the provision of ammunition to Ukraine under this initiative. Additionally, Norway will support the acquisition of ammunition under the initiative for a total value of 5 billion NOK (approx. €428 million).

For more information

Read-out of the first meeting of the Strategic Dialogue with the European Defence Industry.