EU Commission Proposes Ukraine’s Inclusion in the European Defense Industry Program – Sky Bulletin
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In a recent draft proposal, the European Commission has expressed its desire for Ukraine to join the European Union’s defense industry program. This move is intended to leverage Ukraine’s military expertise and to further align Kyiv with the EU, potentially paving the way for eventual EU membership, as reported by Euractiv on March 4.
The urgency of this development is heightened by Ukraine’s pressing requests for more rapid military support from ally nations. Delays in receiving assistance from the West have had repercussions on the warfront, particularly as Ukraine has experienced setbacks, losing ground in the eastern region.
The European Defense Investment Programme (EDIP) is outlined to have three main goals, one of which is specifically designed to “contribute to the recovery, reconstruction, and modernization of the Ukrainian defense technological and industrial base and progressive integration into the European” landscape. This is aimed at fostering stability, security, peace, sustainability, and prosperity on both sides, as per the document accessed by Euractiv.
To facilitate this integration, the proposal suggests granting Ukraine full membership status within any consortium formed with EU member states for joint military procurement, along with access to necessary EU funds and VAT exemptions in the case of shared ownership, as stated in the draft proposal.
The detailed EDIP regulations are set to be unveiled by the European Commission on March 5, in conjunction with the unveiling of the EU’s overall defense strategy.
While a separate budget is proposed for reinforcing Ukraine’s defense industrial complex within the draft, the specific financial details remain unspecified, according to Euractiv’s reporting.
This initiative marks a significant milestone as traditionally no non-EU countries, with the exception of Norway, have been considered for complete involvement in the EU’s defense industrial projects.
The European Parliament, through a resolution on Feb. 29, has implored EU member states to equip Ukraine with “whatever is needed for Kyiv to win its war against Russia.” This includes a diverse range of military support, from long-range weaponry to air-defense systems and artillery.
The resolution emphasized that the EU should not impose any limitations on the amount of military assistance provided to Ukraine, thus calling for an expansive supply of drones, missiles, artillery and other necessary equipment to secure a victory for Kyiv.
### FAQ
**Q: What is the European Defense Investment Programme (EDIP)?**
A: The EDIP is a proposal for an EU-centric defense industry support scheme aiming to enhance the defense capabilities of the European Union.
**Q: How would Ukraine benefit from joining the EDIP?**
A: Membership in the EDIP would enable Ukraine to modernize and rebuild its defense industry with the support of EU funds and procurement consortiums, potentially providing it with advanced military equipment and technologies.
**Q: Has any non-EU country participated as a full member in EU defense programs before?**
A: Apart from Norway, no third country has been considered for full membership in such EU defense industrial programs.
**Q: What type of military assistance has the European Parliament called for the EU to provide Ukraine?**
A: The European Parliament has advocated for a broad spectrum of military aid including air-defense systems, long-range missiles, artillery, ammunition, and drones.
### Conclusion
The inclusion of Ukraine in the European Union’s defense industry support scheme marks a pivotal moment for the nation’s aspiration to join the EU and strengthen its defense capabilities amidst the current conflict. This membership would enable a more dynamic collaboration between Ukraine and the EU, fostering a more integrated, stable, and secure European continent. It remains to be seen how this proposal will be received and implemented, but the significance of such a development in the context of ongoing hostilities in Eastern Europe cannot be overstated.
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