During the EU-Ukraine Defense Industry Forum in Brussels, Charles Fries, Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service, announced new initiatives to enhance cooperation in the defense sector, as reported by Ukrinform.

Fries delivered a speech on behalf of the EU's High Representative, Kaia Kallas, who is currently attending a meeting of foreign ministers in London.

«We recognize there are challenges and delays in integration, particularly in the supply of key components, which hinders the production of necessary missiles and drones.

Concerns regarding financing and product certification have been raised by both sides.

Today, we are launching a new EU-Ukraine group for cooperation in the defense sector to achieve specific goals, which will enhance security for Ukraine and all of us,» he stated.

Fries also recalled the visit of EU officials to Lviv on May 9, which served as a clear sign of support for Ukraine, particularly in bolstering its defense industry. During that visit, Kaia Kallas announced the EU's investment of 1 billion euros in the Ukrainian defense sector.

«Last week in Lviv, contracts were signed to utilize these funds for modern defense technologies, such as drone and missile production. But that's not all.

In the next two weeks, we will also allocate an additional 900 million euros for the procurement of weapons and ammunition for Ukraine. This funding will be sourced from frozen Russian assets,» he emphasized.

This brings the total EU aid for Ukraine's defense industry to 3.3 billion euros, making the EU the largest state foreign investor in Ukraine's defense sector. These investments are complemented by financial support from EU member states to meet urgent defense needs.

«It would be incorrect to say that only Ukraine benefits from such support from the EU. On the contrary, the Ukrainian defense sector has much to teach the European Union. You, Ukrainian companies, are paving new paths, and your achievements are impressive.»

He noted that since 2022, Ukraine's industrial capabilities have increased 30-fold, and innovations such as the development of maritime drones and a protection system using thousands of sensors to detect Russian drones are truly remarkable.

Fries highlighted that the EU will use all available tools to foster cooperation and integration with Ukraine's defense industry.

Collaboration between European and Ukrainian companies in joint production, he stated, is a correct direction yielding mutual benefits.