Defence, protocol for Ukraine’s industrial integration into the EU signed

Brussels – Ukraine’s economic integration into the single European defence market is now possible. Kyiv’s Minister of Strategic Industries, Herman Smetanin, signed the Memorandum of Understanding linking the country’s companies to the European Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association (ASD) for a new industry cooperation season.

Under the protocol, partnerships between Ukrainian defence companies and ASD members will be possible, making it easier for them to take advantage of EU resources made available by the European Defence Fund or the research program, Horizon Europe. As a first result of the freshly signed agreement, which took place at the second forum of the EU-Ukraine defence industry, ASD has launched an online platform (“ASD Connect“) that aims to bring supply and demand together so as to make it better for Ukrainian companies to participate..

ConnAct, keywords for European defence are “invest, innovate, and cooperate”

The memorandum of understanding is valid for three years, and is renewable. In 2027, the situation will be assessed, but in the meantime, the European Union is trying to hold on to Ukraine’s economic-industrial integration promise contained in the European Commission’s defence white paper.

“We notice a strong interest from European companies and associations in the Ukrainian defence industry, and this interest is mutual,” stressed a satisfied Smetanin. After all, he clarifies, the goal is just that: “We aim to develop partnerships that benefit both sides.” The Ukrainian Minister for Strategic Industries assures that the domestic sector will play its part: “We can strengthen our partners with our experience, expertise, and our ability to quickly adapt to the needs of the front and implement innovations at lightning speed.” 

A clear reference to the ongoing war against Russia, cited explicitly by Jan Pie, secretary general of ASD: “In the context of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and its people, the European defence industry plays a key role in supporting the stated commitments of EU and NATO members to assist Ukraine, as long as necessary, in its struggle for territorial integrity and self-determination.” In that sense, Pie emphasised, the protocol “highlights our unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and our willingness to support its efforts to develop its defence industry and integrate it into the European defence industrial and technological base.”