Bloomberg: EU’s long-term security commitments for Ukraine

The European Commission presented a draft decision on providing Ukraine with long-term security obligations to member states EU.

European Union ambassadors are scheduled to discuss it this week, and leaders will discuss it at a summit next month. About the contents of the document tells Bloomberg agency, which claims that this project will also form the basis of consultations between Kiev and the G7 countries. At the NATO summit in Vilnius, G7 members agreed to negotiate with Ukraine on bilateral security commitments aimed at deterring future Russian aggression.

Ukraine has pledged to continue a number of reforms, including in the law enforcement, judicial, security and defense sectors. Kyiv’s key allies are seeking to conclude bilateral agreements this year. The EU Framework Document will build on these bilateral agreements and cover the following proposals:

1. A predictable, efficient, sustainable and long-term mechanism for the provision of military equipment to Ukraine, which mobilizes the European defense industry.
2. Providing training for the Ukrainian armed forces.
3. Deepening cooperation with the Ukrainian defense industry to strengthen capabilities and harmonize standards.
4. Strengthening Ukraine’s ability to counter cyber and hybrid threats, as well as disinformation.
5. Supporting Ukraine’s efforts to clear mines and combat contamination caused by explosive residues.
6. Help Ukraine implement its reform program associated with the EU accession process and strengthen its ability to control stocks of firearms, light weapons and ammunition, and counter any illicit trafficking thereof.
7. Supporting the country’s energy transition and nuclear security efforts.
8. Sharing intelligence and satellite imagery.

The document states that support for arms supplies will continue to be provided through the European Peace Fund, a mechanism that reimburses EU member states for arms supplied to Ukraine.

But the EU’s initial plan to spend 20 billion euros over four years to pay for Kiev’s weapons risks falling through as some member states, including Germany, have failed to agree on terms, according to one EU diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. But they hope to agree on at least 5 billion euros for next year, with commitments for further support after that.

These discussions come at a time when the EU is not fulfilling its promise to provide Ukraine with one million artillery ammunition by March 2024, the newspaper notes.

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