Von der Leyen announces EU-Ukraine cooperation on defense production

The European Union and Ukraine are set to forge a strategic partnership in defense industry production, aiming to merge Ukraine's extensive battlefield experience with the EU's manufacturing prowess, especially in drone technology. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the initiative during a visit to Kyiv, emphasizing the need to "combine our strengths and create a joint defense industrial production."

“

We must combine our strengths and create a joint defense industrial production.

Von der Leyen, who received Ukraine's new Order of Europe during her visit, highlighted that while Ukraine already has drone agreements with several EU nations, this new pact signifies a dedicated "drone agreement" for the EU. Although specific details remain undisclosed, the core objective is to bolster Europe's defenses against drone threats, addressing recent airspace violations experienced by member states.

“

Ukraine has drones that have been tested on the battlefield. We do not have that knowledge. But we have the knowledge to produce defense materiel. We will combine our strengths.

"Ukraine has drones that have been tested on the battlefield. We do not have that knowledge. But we have the knowledge to produce defense materiel. We will combine our strengths," von der Leyen stated. This initiative follows her earlier proposal for a "drone wall" to protect European airspace, a concept that initially raised questions about overlapping with NATO's defense planning. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas clarified that these EU initiatives would complement, not duplicate, NATO's efforts, focusing on joint procurement and flagship programs to support member states in meeting NATO's defense goals.

“

We are not doubling the work. In fact, we complement each other.