Ukraine and the European Union have signed the ‘Drone Deal’ defence agreement
During the celebrations marking Ukrainian Statehood Day, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced the launch of a new partnership between Ukraine and the European Union in the defence industry sector. According to her, the parties have agreed on the ‘Drone Deal’.
“In many respects, Ukraine has evolved from being a buyer to a supplier of security for Europe. This also entails 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 defence industry sector. What we are signing today is our very own ‘Drone Deal’,” said Ursula von der Leyen.
The President of the European Commission emphasised that Ukraine has gained unique combat experience in the use of drones and counter-drone measures. She noted that the European Union and Ukraine must pool this knowledge in light of current security challenges.
According to von der Leyen, events in Ukraine and around the world have demonstrated the importance of being able to rapidly deploy capabilities that have been tested in combat conditions. She added that Europe already possesses significant technological and industrial potential, as well as secure production sites that can help expand manufacturing.
The President of the European Commission concluded that the Drone Deal would combine Ukrainian ingenuity with Europe’s industrial capabilities and send a signal about the need to invest in Ukraine and in shared security.
Earlier, on 8 July, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed Ukraine’s European integration and the forthcoming Drone Deal during a meeting with Ursula von der Leyen in Ankara. On the morning of 15 July, the President of the European Commission arrived in Kyiv on her eleventh visit since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
