European companies will be able to participate in EU defense projects funded from the budget — Ukraine will also receive such an opportunity, LETA reports citing DPA.
According to a preliminary agreement between the member states of the European Union and the European Parliament, Ukrainian enterprises will be able to participate in EU-funded projects in the field of defense research and development, the current EU presidency state — Denmark — announced on Wednesday.
The agreement links Ukraine with the European Defense Fund, which aims to enhance the competitiveness, efficiency, and innovation of the EU's defense sector. The fund's budget for the period from 2021 to 2027 is approximately 9.5 billion euros.
It is also planned to expand and simplify the use of EU budget funds for defense-related research and development, as well as for investments in industry and infrastructure, Denmark stated. This requires amendments to several EU programs, including "Horizon Europe."
Danish Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre stated that this agreement is a strong signal that Europe is determined to invest in its own security and remove obstacles along the way. She added that by opening key EU programs for investments in the defense sector, the EU is strengthening support for the European defense and technology industry.
"This is a necessary step towards a stronger, more resilient, and capable Europe that will be able to defend itself by 2030," the minister emphasized.
According to European intelligence agencies, Russia may be ready to start a new war as early as 2030.
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