The ECR Group is pleased that the production of ammunition and missiles for Ukraine can now be expanded following the European Parliament's approval by a large majority of the trilogue agreement with the Council on the Arms Production Assistance Package (ASAP).

ASAP provides for various measures, including €500 million in financing, to increase the production capacity of ammunition, in particular artillery ammunition, missiles and their components.

“Ukraine needs ammunition and missiles, and our own stocks are running out. We need to increase production, also to support Ukraine’s counter-offensive to retake its territories where the Russian aggressor’s troops are still standing”, said ECR shadow rapporteur Zdzisław Krasnodębski.

“The Ukrainians’ fight against a barbaric aggressor is just. That is why the European Union must demonstrate its ability to act if we do not want to lose the trust of our friends who are fighting for our common values”, Krasnodębski continued.

During negotiations with the Council, MEPs ensured that a wider range of projects would be funded and that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) would receive a higher share of the funding. They made sure that the new funds would not come at the expense of existing cohesion funds. MEPs also pushed for EU countries to provide Ukraine with ammunition financed under the legislation without export restrictions. Parliament adopted the negotiated agreement by 505 votes to 56, with 21 abstentions.