Defence: EU and Ukraine sign security agreement

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 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.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the security commitments “a sign of solidarity in difficult times.” Zelenskyj thanked them for this, but also called for even greater efforts by EU countries to ensure a rapid delivery of weapons and ammunition. The aim is to destroy Russia’s illusion that it can achieve anything with the war against Ukraine, he said. “Europe has shown that it can be efficient,” he commented on Platform X. At the same time, he thanked the “historic Belgian EU presidency” and wished Hungary effectiveness as the next EU Council presidency.

Part of the security commitments now agreed is, for example, 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, there would be consultations within 24 hours at the request of either side. The two sides would then jointly discuss possible support, for example in the form of arms deliveries. The EU does not promise direct military assistance in the agreement.

Armaments cooperation to be expanded

In addition to the crisis mechanism, closer cooperation between the Ukrainian arms industry and the EU is planned, as well as in the fight against cyber attacks and disinformation. The EU unilaterally pledges to continue its efforts for 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.

Scholz said the 50 billion dollars should be made available “quickly and expeditiously”.

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.”

After the signing ceremony, EU Council President Michel said to Zelensky: “We are very impressed by your leadership and the courage of the Ukrainian people. We know that you are fighting for your freedom, for your country, for your future, for your children, but you are also fighting for our common values ​​and principles.” He particularly praised Ukraine’s reform efforts, which led to the opening of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine last Tuesday.

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.

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.