Ammunition production will be sped up across the European Union bloc, according to a proposal that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced after meeting Czech leaders in Prague on Tuesday.
EU aid to Ukraine dominated discussions between von der Leyen and Czech President Petr Pavel.
“Member States agreed to continue to finance the supply of ammunition. I am pleased to announce today that the European Commission will propose a specific law on EU ammunition production at its meeting tomorrow (Wednesday), which should speed up ammunition production in Europe,” Von der Leyen said at the press conference after the meeting.
“The draft legislation will also include funding of about €500 million, with co-financing from member states it will amount to €1 billion,” she added.
Von der Leyen thanked Czech citizens for their exemplary solidarity with Ukrainian refugees. The Czech Republic has received the highest number of refugees per capita.
The total support of EU countries to Kyiv amounted to over €68 billion, and the daily tangible assistance must continue, said von der Leyen while also thanking Czechs for their exemplary solidarity with Ukrainian refugees – referring to the country taking in the most refugees per capita.
Pavel, a former general, appreciated Von der Leyen’s long-term support for Ukraine in terms of material supplies and mentioned ammunition in particular, noting that it is currently essential for Ukraine’s defence and its possible counter-offensive.
He also praised Von der Leyen’s approach to Ukraine’s possible future EU membership.
“We know that it will not be easy, but we are ready to continue and help Ukraine overcome all obstacles,” the president said, adding that EU enlargement is in the interest of the whole of Europe, its stability and security.
The two also spoke about relations with China, with Pavel noting that all democratic countries should cooperate on a common policy towards China.
During her Prague visit, von der Leyen also met with Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS).
“We mainly discussed energy projects and the National Recovery Plan, through which we intend to increase the energy self-sufficiency of the Czech Republic. We also discussed current topics in European and world politics,” Fiala tweeted after the two met.
(Ondřej Plevák | EURACTIV.cz)
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