The European Union has preliminarily agreed to launch a large-scale European Defense Industrial Program (EDIP), with a budget of €1.5 billion for the years 2025-2027. Of this amount, €300 million will be allocated directly to support Ukraine. Thanks to this initiative, Kyiv will have the opportunity to participate in joint projects and expand production cooperation with European defense companies. This opens up prospects for further integration of Ukraine into the European defense technology and industrial base.
This is reported by Business • Media
New Security Mechanisms and Conditions of the EDIP Program
The EDIP program introduces a unified mechanism for ensuring the security of defense product supplies within the EU for the first time. According to the new rules, the share of components produced outside the EU and associated countries must not exceed 35% of the final product’s value. This will enhance control over the origin of products and ensure the strategic autonomy of Europe’s defense sector. The document still needs to be approved by the European Parliament and the EU Council for final adoption.
Funding and Additional EU Initiatives to Support Ukraine
It is expected that after the new EU budget for 2028-2034 comes into effect, the EDIP program will receive significant additional funding. At the same time, the EU is considering the possibility of using part of the €140 billion reparations loan, secured by frozen assets of the Russian Federation, to purchase American weapons for Ukraine. These funds may also be directed to support the Ukrainian and European defense industrial complex.
“Kyiv will be able to engage in joint projects and deepen industrial cooperation with European companies, with the prospect of integration into the European defense technology and industrial base.”