Following large countries such as the USA, Great Britain and Germany, the EU is now also making long-term security commitments to Ukraine. This also includes a new crisis mechanism.
The EU has reached an agreement on security cooperation and long-term support with Ukraine, which has been attacked by Russia. The document was signed on Thursday on the sidelines of the EU summit in Brussels by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Charles Michel.
Specifically, the agreement provides for a new crisis mechanism. If Russia were to use nuclear weapons in the current invasion or attack again after the end of the current war, consultations would be held within 24 hours at the request of either side. They would then discuss possible support, such as arms deliveries. The EU does not promise direct military assistance in the agreement.
Ukraine and EU: Armaments cooperation to be expanded
There are also plans for closer cooperation between the Ukrainian arms industry and the EU, as well as in the fight against cyberattacks and disinformation.
The EU has unilaterally pledged to continue its efforts to provide further financial aid, arms deliveries and the training of Ukrainian soldiers. For example, the international community also wants to participate in a G7 initiative for a short-term 50 billion dollar (47 billion euros) package for Ukraine. This would complement an already agreed financial aid package worth 50 billion euros and the financing mechanism for arms deliveries to Ukraine, which is also worth many billions of euros.
As long and as intensive as necessary
In general, the agreement states: “The European Union is determined to continue to provide Ukraine and its people with the necessary political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for as long and as intensively as necessary.”
The agreement with the security commitments is based on an initiative by the members of the G7 group of western economic powers. On the sidelines of the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania last year, they agreed that individual states should conclude bilateral agreements with Ukraine in order to guarantee its long-term security. The EU is now joining in. Countries such as Great Britain, Germany and France had already made the first move in January and February. The USA, among others, followed most recently.
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Agreement is not binding
As a political declaration of intent, the EU agreement is not legally binding. But the same applies, for example, to the German agreement with Ukraine.
Most recently, Zelensky was in Brussels at the end of May to sign a security agreement between his country and Belgium. Among other things, the agreement promises Ukraine the delivery of 30 F-16 fighter jets. The handover is set to begin this year and the delivery is set to be completed in 2028.
Source: Stern
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