On November 14, 2024, the European Union announced its first-ever budget-funded joint arms procurement for member states, which includes missiles and munitions destined for Ukraine. This initiative is part of the EU's ongoing efforts to support Kyiv in its defense against Russia's large-scale invasion.
The European Commission reported an investment of €300 million aimed at assisting groups of up to nine member states in acquiring air defense systems, armored vehicles, and artillery shells. Margrethe Vestager, the European Commission's Vice-President, emphasized that this marks a significant step in utilizing EU budget resources for collective defense measures.
Since the onset of the conflict in February 2022, the EU has been working to bolster the defense capabilities of its member states while providing military aid to Ukraine. The bloc has established a financial support mechanism to encourage member states to purchase munitions. However, the EU has yet to fulfill its promise made last year to deliver one million artillery shells to Kyiv by the end of March.
Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, assured that this target will be met by the end of the year.