On June 23, Sweden, who has chaired the EU Council for this half a year, announced that the ambassadors of the Union countries approved the Ammunition Production Assistance Regulation. Under the ASAP, EU countries can increase production in aggregate up to a million shells per year, and the EU will compensate for the costs of production and/or transfer of shells to Ukraine.
"EU ambassadors just approved the mandate for negotiations with the EU Parliament on the ASAP Regulation. It will facilitate the ramp-up of the EU's ammunition production capacity, allowing its defence industry to better support Ukrainian and member state's armed forces," Swedish presidency of the Council of the EU.
To enter into force, decisions must be confirmed by the European Council and the European Parliament. And the Council is responsible for the dialogue with the European Parliament on the approval of ASAP.
The Ammunition Production Assistance Regulation proposal was made public in March of this year. Bulgaria has not yet joined the project but recognises it will benefit from participation.
