EU Considering 1 Billion Euro Fund to Supply Ukraine with 155 mm Shells
The head of the European Union’s foreign affairs, Josep Borrell, urged EU member states to earmark a substantial sum from the European Peace Facility to finance weapons deliveries requested by Ukraine’s armed forces. The proposal seeks to mobilize one billion euros to support critical military needs as Kyiv strengthens its defense capacity in the face of ongoing aggression. This call was reported by AFP via TASS in March.
According to an EU document, the appeal focuses on funding the procurement of 155 mm artillery shells for Ukraine. The proposal is slated for discussion by EU defense ministers at an informal gathering in Stockholm on 7 March, signaling the bloc’s intent to coordinate a rapid response to Kyiv’s ammunition requirements while maintaining fiscal discipline across member states.
Borrell suggested offering a favorable cost recovery rate of up to 90 percent if the ammunition is delivered by a specified deadline. The emphasis on joint procurement reflects a strategic aim to streamline purchases, ensure steady arms supplies to Ukraine, and renew stockpiles across EU member countries. This approach seeks to balance urgent support for Kyiv with the need to preserve long term defense readiness within the union.
Earlier reporting from Financial Times highlighted debates over how EU funds are deployed in support of Ukraine, noting that the bloc uses resources that can indirectly affect broader European spending on areas such as agriculture and infrastructure. The ongoing discussion underscores the challenges of sustaining military assistance while managing competing budget priorities across diverse European economies. Sources focusing on this topic point to the wider context of how European partners coordinate civilian and defense spending to respond to the evolving security situation in eastern Europe. Attribution for this summary comes from AFP and Reuters agencies as they reported on the EU’s deliberations and public statements tied to the work of its defense and foreign policy leadership.