Today, Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov will participate in the meetings of the Foreign Affairs/Defense Council of the European Union and the Steering Board of the European Defense Agency, which will be held in Brussels.
The Council meeting will discuss issues related to the EU's military support for Ukraine, including the supply of ammunition and additional opportunities for supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The ministers will share their views on ways to stimulate the European defense industry, including through the use of the instruments “Safeguards for the Security of Europe (SAFE) and by strengthening the European military-industrial complex“ and the European Defense Industrial Program (EDIP). Measures that can be taken to counter the Russian shadow fleet will also be discussed. The defence ministers will also be briefed on the actions aimed at further strengthening the Ukrainian armed forces through the EU Military Mission to Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine).
The forum will conclude with a discussion on the Union's defence readiness. The defence ministers are expected to discuss ongoing initiatives in support of the European Defence Industrial and Technological Base, as well as opportunities for cooperation to address the shortage of defence capabilities. Views will be exchanged on the implementation of the European Defence Readiness Roadmap until 2030. The ministers will also be briefed on the European Commission's new approach to military mobility.