European Commission Unveils €1.5 Billion Plan to Boost Regional and Ukrainian Defense Production

The European Commission has approved a €1.5 billion funding plan to boost regional and Ukrainian defense production. The plan includes €700 million for increasing production of weapon systems, €260 million for Ukraine’s defense industrial base, €325 million for joint industry projects, and €240 million for joint procurement of defense systems. The funding is open to EU members and Norway, with a €20 million grant cap per project. The European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, has emphasized the need for independent missile production in Europe and has called for a 400% increase in regional air-defense capabilities.