The European Union will increase joint military efforts for Ukraine by starting to build a joint defense industry.
The execution of military operations remains a task for NATO, but joint production of weapons and ammunition will become possible. This has been discussed in the EU countries for many years, but until now it has not become very concrete.
The European Commission has unveiled an ambitious defense industry strategy focusing on strengthening Europe's "military capabilities" and "increasing the EU's defense autonomy." Ukraine can also participate in this.
A key aspect of the strategy is the creation of a joint defense industry to produce indigenous weapons and military equipment. This can reduce the dependence of European countries on foreign suppliers.
By working together on the development and production of weapons and ammunition, EU member states can strengthen their military capabilities and save costs at the same time, Brussels expects.
This new strategy comes at a crucial time, given the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine and the growing threat on the EU's eastern borders.
It is expected that European military and industrial cooperation will be further structured and expanded in the coalition agreement of the new European Commission, which will take office at the end of this year after the elections.
The EU will also continue to work with international partners, especially the United States and NATO, to strengthen transatlantic defense cooperation and address shared challenges. This new European defense industry is expected to allow the EU to increase its geopolitical influence.