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The Foreign Affairs Council in its defence configuration discussed EU support to Ukraine with a focus on the situation on the ground.
The High Representative informed EU Defence Ministers about the work of the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM), which will have trained over 20 000 Ukrainian soldiers by mid-June, and is likely to reach the target of 30 000 before end of 2023.
He also updated the Council on the support allocated by the EU to Ukraine under the European Peace Facility, which now totals €5.6 billion, and has encouraged EU member states to deliver military equipment for a total value of almost €10 billion.
In this context, the proposal for an 8th support package of €500 million under the EPF is currently under discussion. This new package will trigger the need for a second EPF top-up of €3.5 billion, which is intended to guarantee continued support for Ukraine, and at the same time preserve the global ambition of the European Peace Facility.
Concerning the three-track ammunition package announced on 20 March, the Council already agreed on €2 billion to support the delivery and joint procurement of artillery and missiles within the objective to deliver one million rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine over the following twelve months.
Under the first track the EU is asking member states to provide ammunition and missiles from existing stocks or the reprioritisation of existing orders, in order not to have to wait for more ammunition to be produced.
I can announce today that thanks to that particular track member states have provided 220 000 artillery ammunitions of different calibres, and 1300 missiles have also been provided. This first track will be open until 31 May and I believe we will achieve our aim. Member states will have until July to declare deliveries of artillery ammunition and missiles.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
As regards the second track i.e. the joint procurement of ammunition from the European defence industry and Norway, 8 out of the 24 countries who joined the European Defence Agency’s (EDA) project have confirmed their intention to purchase 155 mm calibre ammunition through the EDA. In parallel, complementary lead nation projects, notably led by France and Germany, are also underway.
On the third track, i.e. ramping up the production capacity of the European defence industry, the Commission recently put forward a proposal to support ammunition production, the so-called ASAP regulation.
Current affairs
Under current affairs, EU Defence Ministers discussed EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) engagement at large.
First ministers touched on the new EU Military Partnership Mission in Niger, which is supporting the logistics and communication of the Armed Forces of Niger, and could soon be complemented by a proposed EPF support worth €65 million.
Then the High Representative proposed to the ministers to work with coastal states of the Gulf of Guinea to counter the spill-over of the terrorist threat from the Sahel to the northern regions of Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Togo.
Lastly, the Council discussed the importance of delivering on the Rapid Deployment Capacity, so that it reaches its goal of being fully operational by 2025.
Informal lunch discussion with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
Over a working lunch, ministers held an informal exchange with the NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on strategic domains such as cyber, space and maritime, as well as cooperation with NATO on threats in these fields.
Council conclusions and other decisions
The Council approved conclusions on EU policy on Cyber Defence.
The Council also adopted two decisions confirming Denmark’s participation in the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), and adding 11 new projects to the list of the existing PESCO projects developed since December 2017.
The European Defence Agency's (EDA) ministerial steering board met before the Council meeting.
Ministers exchanged views on capability implications of the war in Ukraine in view of the upcoming revision of the EU capability development priorities foreseen in November 2023.
The High Representative also updated ministers about the signature of the Administrative Arrangement between the European Defence Agency and the US Department of Defense (DoD), as well as the second edition of the European Defence Innovation Days, which will take place from 31 May to 1 June 2023, in Brussels.
I can announce today that thanks to that particular track member states have provided 220 000 artillery ammunitions of different calibres, and 1300 missiles have also been provided. This first track will be open until 31 May and I believe we will achieve our aim. Member states will have until July to declare deliveries of artillery ammunition and missiles.