Subject: Continuation of military support for Ukraine
The Commission has confirmed in a statement by President von der Leyen that it will extend for as long as necessary the military logistical support for Ukraine initially set in motion under the European Peace Facility. It urges all Member States to play their part in supplying Ukraine with all the weapons it asks for and to do so in as short a time as possible, setting aside any hesitations concerning their classification as either ‘light’ or ‘heavy’ weapons.
In view of the above:
1. Does the Commission believe it is appropriate for weapons of all kinds, without distinction, to be sent from the European Union to Ukraine?
2. Does it plan to publish a list of the weapons Member States are delivering – and will deliver – to Ukraine, and their cost?
3. How does it interpret the statement by the Kremlin’s spokesperson warning that the supply of heavy weapons to Ukraine will be regarded as a direct threat to the security of the Russian Federation and will provoke instability in EU countries?
Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell i Fontelles on behalf of the European Commission (5 July 2022)
The EU military support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine under the European Peace Facility (EPF) — now worth EUR 2 billion — is the expression of the EU’s political solidarity to help Ukraine in defending itself and its population.
The scope of the equipment provided is in line with the priorities expressed by Ukraine, covering lethal and non-lethal equipment.
The decision to provide support of a military nature rests with the Council of the EU. Within the EPF framework (1), the Commission performs the role of Administrator for assistance measures and is responsible for the financial implementation of EPF assistance measures established by the Council.
The EPF Committee further defines the type and quantity of support to be financed under the Assistance Measure, considering the priorities recommended by the EU Military Staff to meet the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The publication of any information related to deliveries under the EPF is a prerogative of each EU Member State. Internally, EU Member States share this information amongst themselves. Information on deliveries is handled primarily by Member States according to their national rules on information protection including rules on classified information where relevant.
The EU condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia's unprecedented military aggression against Ukraine. By its unprovoked and unjustified military actions, Russia is grossly violating international law and undermining European and global security and stability.
The delivery of weapons, as Member States deem appropriate, is intended to defend Ukraine’s territorial integrity and support Ukraine's defence against the Russian aggression while protecting the Union’s shared values and the rules-based international system.
⋅1∙ Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/509. | | ( | | )