Ukraine and the EU have signed the "Drone Deal" defense agreement
On July 15, Ukraine and the European Union agreed on new cooperation in the defense industry under the “Drone Deal.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the agreement during events marking Ukrainian Statehood Day.
“In many ways, Ukraine has evolved from a buyer to a supplier of security for Europe. This also calls for a new way of cooperating. That is why I am delighted, together with you, Volodymyr, to launch a new partnership between the EU and Ukraine in the defense industry. What we are signing today is our very own ‘Drone Deal,’” she said.
Lijien noted the uniqueness of Ukraine’s combat experience and the knowledge the country has gained from working with drones and anti-drone systems. The President of the European Commission emphasized that the EU and Ukraine must use this knowledge together in light of the threats facing Europe.
“Events here and around the world have shown us how important it is for our security to be able to deploy battle-tested capabilities. In Europe, we already have enormous technological and industrial potential that can be mobilized. And we have secure and reliable production sites that can help expand manufacturing,” von der Leyen explained.
She concluded that the agreement will combine Ukrainian ingenuity with Europe’s industrial scale and send a clear signal that now is the time to invest in Ukraine and in our shared security, according to a Ukrinform correspondent.
Earlier, von der Leyen and European leaders arrived in Kyiv.
Prior to this, the European Commission officially confirmed that EC President Ursula von der Leyen would make working visits to Azerbaijan and Armenia on July 1 and 2. The Commission also outlined the key objectives of the upcoming trips.
Von der Leyen mentioned a possible date for Montenegro’s accession to the EU.
Ukrainemay receive a clear roadmap for EU accession in May.
Additionally, Ukraine has received invitations from Asian countries, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced new visits and agreements.
Ukraine is ready to assist with ensuring the safety of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
