Defense - EU and Ukraine sign security agreement
The EU has reached an agreement with Ukraine, which was attacked by Russia, on security cooperation and long-term support. The document was signed on the sidelines of the EU summit in Brussels by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and EU Council President Charles Michel.
The agreement includes, for instance, a new crisis mechanism. If Russia, for example, uses atomic weapons during the current invasion or attacks again after the end of the war, consultations must be held at the request of one of the parties within 24 hours. Together, they would then discuss possible support, such as weapons deliveries. The EU does not commit to direct military assistance in the agreement.
Defense cooperation will be expanded
Moreover, closer cooperation between Ukraine's defense industry and the EU, as well as in the fight against cyber attacks and disinformation, is planned.
Unilaterally, the EU pledges to continue efforts for further financial aid, weapons deliveries, and the training of Ukrainian soldiers and soldiers. The community, for example, intends to participate in a G7 initiative for a short-term $50 billion package (47 billion euros) for Ukraine. It would add to the already approved financial aid package worth 50 billion euros and the financially endowed funding mechanism for weapons deliveries to Ukraine.
Determined to provide Ukraine and its population with necessary political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support as long and as intensively as needed.
The agreement with security guarantees goes back to an initiative of the G7 group of western economic powers. They had agreed at the NATO summit in Lithuania last year that individual countries should conclude bilateral agreements with Ukraine to ensure its long-term security. The EU is now joining in. The process was started earlier in January and February by countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and France.
The EU agreement is not legally binding
As a political statement of intent, the EU agreement is not legally binding. The same applies, for example, to the German agreement with Ukraine.
Lastly, Zelenskyy signed a security agreement between Ukraine and Belgium in Brussels at the end of May. With this agreement, Ukraine will be promised the delivery of 30 F-16 fighter jets. The delivery is planned to begin still in this year. It should be completed by 2028.
Information from the EU on supporting Ukraine
- The EU summit in Brussels saw the signing of a security cooperation agreement between the EU, Ukraine, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- Charles Michel, the EU Council President, participated in the signing of the agreement, which includes measures against potential future actions by Russia.
- The agreement includes a crisis mechanism, calling for consultations within 24 hours if Russia uses atomic weapons or attacks Ukraine after the war.
- Defense cooperation between Ukraine and the EU is to be expanded, focusing on cyber security and disinformation.
- The EU has pledged to continue financial aid, weapons deliveries, and the training of Ukrainian soldiers, as part of a G7 initiative for a $50 billion package.
- Germany, the UK, and France were among the countries that started the process of securing Ukraine's long-term security with bilateral agreements, leading to the EU joining in.
- The EU agreement with Ukraine is not legally binding, serving only as a political statement of intent.
- Following the EU summit, Zelenskyy also signed a security agreement with Belgium, promising delivery of 30 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, with plans for deliveries beginning this year.
