EU Member States agree to step up European defence and arms assistance to Ukraine

In its meeting in Brussels on Thursday 20 March, the European Council agreed on a number of measures to strengthen European defence. Discussions also focused on arms assistance and other support to Ukraine. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo represented Finland at the meeting.

The leaders began their meeting by exchanging views with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy via remote connection. After the discussion, the leaders of 26 EU Member States reaffirmed that the Member States must continue to rapidly increase their military support to Ukraine. Above all, Ukraine needs munitions and missiles, as EU High Representative Kaja Kallas also noted in her proposal on 13 March.

“With regard to Ukraine, I emphasised that the best way to support Ukraine right now in its efforts to achieve a just peace is to support the Ukrainian army. Another key issue is Ukraine’s EU membership. I highlighted the need to support Ukraine on its European path so that it can fulfil the accession criteria and be ready for EU membership by 2030. This is what President Zelenskyy has hoped for,” said Prime Minister Orpo.

“I reiterated our call from the last summit to speed up the disbursement of the support already approved for Ukraine. We expect the Commission to act quickly, because EUR 25 billion in support from the existing Ukraine Facility could be available to Ukraine within a short timeframe,” said Prime Minister Orpo.

The European Council agreed to take decisive action to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities over the next five years. The leaders’ discussion on the matter was guided by the White Paper on the Future of European Defence, which was issued jointly by the European External Action Service and the Commission on the previous day.

“The content of the White Paper on the Future of Defence is well in line with Finland’s objectives. This is the result of long-term efforts to influence EU policy. Europe is finally beginning to understand that action is needed where the threat is greatest – that is, at the EU’s eastern border,” said Prime Minister Orpo.

The European Council also discussed European competitiveness. The EU leaders noted the need for improvements in this area. Prime Minister Orpo emphasised that Europe can only build strong defence capabilities if its economy and competitiveness are in order.

The other topics on the agenda for the March European Council were the Middle East, the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) and new own resources, migration, oceans and multilateralism.

Inquiries: Juuso Kilpinen, Special Adviser for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 444, Marja Koskela, Diplomatic Adviser, tel. +358 295 160 978 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU and International Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office