President of the European Council calls for increased support for Ukraine and funding of the European defense industry

European Council President Charles Michel pointed to significant EU military assistance to Ukraine and called for greater support for Kiev and increased funding for the European defense industry. He said this on Thursday at the annual conference of the European defense agency, writes UNN.  

now, together with our member states, we have provided unprecedented military assistance to Ukraine: 27 billion euros through our European Peace Fund and our EU Military Assistance Mission. But we need to do more. More missiles, more ammunition, more air defense systems. And faster. These are obligations: obligations to the Ukrainian people and to our citizens. By defending Ukraine, we are defending ourselves. Our continued strong military support also sends a clear message to our partners – especially our American allies – that we are taking our security more seriously than ever,

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he also noted that the EU is working to deliver one million artillery pieces to Ukraine. "Yes, this is a challenge. It will take a little longer than we hoped, but it will happen," Michel said.

the president of the European Council also stressed that he believes that "the time has come to create a real defense alliance combined with a real single defense market."

"he should focus on two goals as he moves forward. first, our iron military support to the people of Ukraine, because the security of Ukraine is our security, the security of all of us. second, we must strengthen our European defense. Now, tomorrow and in the future," Michel said.

he also pointed out that it is necessary to work on a "real single defense market". And he offered four specific ideas:

"first, we need to make coordinating our defense spending more effective. second, we need to adapt our regulatory framework so that we can act faster and with greater flexibility. Third, we need to increase funding for our defense industry. and fourthly, we must focus on specific projects that have a structural impact in Europe and ensure security for our citizens," Michel said.

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen statedthat the EU's defense industry strategy (EDIS) should include Ukraine - its needs and industrial potential.