EC allocates 500 million euros to boost EU ammunition production

The European Commission allocated 500,000,000 euros ($551,955,000) to urgently deliver ammunition and missiles to Ukraine and to help Member States refill their stocks.

The decision was made in accordance with the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) adopted by the commission on May 3, the commission’s site reports.

According to the source, this budget comes from the redeployment of different instruments, in particular, the European Defence Fund and the future European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act (EDIRPA).

“By introducing targeted measures including financing, the Act aims at ramping up the EU's production capacity and addressing the current shortage of ammunition and missiles as well as their components. It will support the destocking from Member States and the joint procurement for ammunition,” the statement said.

In particular, it is assumed that this will strengthen the responsiveness and ability of the Union defence industry to ensure the timely supply of ammunition and missiles in Europe.

“In light of the return of high intensity conflict in Europe, the timely availability in sufficient volumes of these products is critical for our security and for our continuous efforts to support Ukraine,” the statement reads.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that Ukraine is “heroically resisting the brutal Russian invader”.

“We stand by our promise to support Ukraine and its people, for as long as it takes. But Ukraine's brave soldiers need sufficient military equipment to defend their country. Europe is stepping up its support on three tracks. First, Member States are delivering additional ammunition from their existing stocks, with new European Peace Facility support of 1 billion euros. Second, together with Member States, we will procure jointly more ammunition for Ukraine - and we are making available an additional billion euro for that. And today, we are delivering on the third track. Ramping up and speeding up the defence industrial production of ammunition in Europe,” she noted.

She also added that together with the Member States, they will mobilise a further 1 billion euro to ramp up capacities across Europe.