Aid to Ukraine: Seven EU countries order ammunition under new mechanism

EU countries have ordered ammunition under the EU’s joint procurement mechanism to supply artillery shells to Ukraine and replenish stocks in their warehouses, Reuters reported on Friday 29 September.

The orders are for 155 mm artillery shells. Previously, defence procurement was largely the prerogative of the 27 member states.

The European Defence Agency did not say which countries had placed the order or what it was for, saying most of the information was confidential. Lithuania and Luxembourg confirmed to Reuters that they were among the seven countries.

In late August, Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said Ukraine had received less than 250,000 of the 1 million shells, promised by the EU.

On 13 April, the EU Council decides to allocate €1 billion to reimburse the cost of ammunition that EU member states will transfer to Ukraine from their stockpiles between 9 February and 31 May 2023.

On 20 March, EU foreign ministers agreed on a plan for the joint procurement and delivery of 1 million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine for €2 billion. It provides for €1 billion to be allocated as compensation for supplies to member states, a further €1 billion for joint purchases of ammunition and an increase in EU production capacity.

Photo: REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer

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