On the platform of the Council of ministers of Defense of the European Union, Kaisa Ollongren announced the decision of the Netherlands to take part in the joint purchase of 155 shells for Ukraine. The parties also discussed common defence projects and strengthening the production of ammunition and heavy equipment.
The military specialists of Holland take an active part in training Ukrainian soldiers. According to the Ministry of defense, already 15.200 Ukrainians have improved their military skills thanks to the Dutch MoD program. The state also sent its instructors to assist in the military training program for Ukrainians in Germany. Until the end of August, another 200 Ukrainians will return from Germany to defend their native country.
The EU Permanent Structured Cooperation is currently working on 60 joint projects. Against the background of the war in Ukraine, PESCO defence ministers decided to add 11 more projects. Also, at the meeting, the Council will discuss the entire budget of 500 million euros for "assisting European defence enterprises in increasing their production capacity." The author of the idea is European commissioner Thierry Breton.
Defence ministers also discussed a recent proposal by EU Commissioner Thierry Breton. This provides for an EU budget of 500 million euros. It includes measures to help European defence companies increase their production capacity. This is essential to continue military support for Ukraine and replenish our own supplies.
