Brussels, [Date] - President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced at the European Defence Agency (EDA) Annual Conference in Brussels that the European Union (EU) has delivered or is in the process of delivering 480,000 rounds of artillery shells to Ukraine in response to Russia's invasion. This move marks the first time ever that the EU is providing military aid to a country at war within Europe.

President von der Leyen highlighted the urgency to mobilize Europe's defense industry to sustain a war effort in the wake of Russia's aggression. She emphasized that the war in Ukraine has consumed more hardware than any recent conflict, with Russia firing 10 million shells in a year and Ukraine consuming 10,000 drones per month. This necessitates an increase in production capacities to meet Ukraine's needs while ensuring Europe's deterrence and defense.

To achieve this, the European Defence Fund has been complemented by EDIRPA (European Defence Industrial Development Programme). This collaboration has resulted in the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP), which has facilitated the delivery or pending delivery of 480,000 rounds of artillery shells to Ukraine. Impressively, it is projected that by next year, Europe will be capable of producing one million rounds per year, signifying a substantial advancement in defense cooperation.

President von der Leyen also emphasized the importance of the EU's support for Ukraine. In July 2023, NATO leaders endorsed a new NATO Defence Production Action Plan, further highlighting the need for the EU to focus on its own production capacities. She emphasized that no industrial bottlenecks should hinder Europe's ability to secure the continent.

The EU is investing EUR 5.6 billion in military aid to Ukraine, coordinated at the EU level. This aid includes tanks, helicopters, air defense systems, missiles, and ammunition. President von der Leyen noted that while the EU had previously organized training missions, this was the first time European troops were involved in an interstate war, with mission command headquarters in Brussels.

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, the EU and its member states have consistently provided political, economic, financial, humanitarian, and significant military aid to Ukraine. The situation on the ground has necessitated a rapid response as Europe seeks to support Ukraine and strengthen its own defense capabilities.

As tensions escalate and the conflict continues, the EU's commitment to Ukraine demonstrates its dedication to maintaining peace and stability in the region. The delivery of artillery shells and ongoing military aid serve as a testament to the EU's determination to respond decisively to acts of aggression within its borders.