European Union defense ministers are set to discuss important issues today in Brussels. They will discuss ways to increase military aid to Ukraine and strategies to strengthen the European defense industry, BTA reports.
The European Union has allocated a significant amount of 5 billion euros to Ukraine aimed at providing military aid through a special fund known as the European Peace Fund. However, the financial support ran into problems due to delays caused by Hungary, which exercised its right of veto, a right held by every EU member state.
Joseph Borrell, the EU's top diplomat, expressed his concern, saying: “This delay can be measured in human lives”. He revealed this after a meeting with EU foreign ministers, underlining the consensus that Hungary's participation in the European Peace Mechanism will not extend to military support for Ukraine.
Discussions at the meeting are not limited to financial aid. The situation on the ground in Ukraine will be a key topic, with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg participating in the talks. Their insights will be invaluable as the EU seeks to navigate the complex dynamics of the conflict.
On the agenda is also a strategic plan, estimated at 1.5 billion euros, initiated by the European Commission in March. This plan aims to strengthen the EU's arms industry, ensuring that the Union is better prepared to defend and support Ukraine. The initiative underlines the EU's commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities in response to evolving global threats.
Today's meeting in Brussels marks a critical moment for the European Union as it seeks to balance support for Ukraine with strengthening its own defense mechanisms.