A source within the EU foreign policy apparatus indicates that EU defense ministers are poised to review a proposal from Josep Borrell, the bloc’s top diplomat, to earmark 2 billion euros from the European Peace Fund for ammunition deliveries. The goal is to replenish stocks in Ukraine and across Europe while keeping production steady and ready for future needs. This briefing comes as ministers prepare for a Brussels gathering where the plan will be on the agenda.
The plan, described as a three-phase approach, would begin with using 1 billion euros to supply Ukraine with ammunition drawn from existing stockpiles, including both Soviet-era and Western-designed rounds. A second tranche of 1 billion euros would be dedicated to securing urgent purchases and accelerating the replenishment process. The ultimate objective is to introduce new ammunition to Kyiv, restore European stock levels, and bolster the capacity to expand production in the near term.
An EU foreign policy insider noted that officials expect formal approval to be granted in the near future, conditional upon preliminary clearance from the ambassadors of all 27 member states who are currently examining the plan in Brussels. This pre-approval step signals steady coordination across capitals and a shared commitment to sustaining Ukraine’s defense needs while propping up European defensive reserves.
Earlier reporting from diplomatic circles, cited by Euractiv, suggested that European governments are weighing steps to remove obstacles to a wider agreement on ammunition assistance for Ukraine. The discussions also focus on which member states could reliably supply rounds in the event of a broader European shortage, underscoring the bloc’s emphasis on resilience and quick mobilization. The overall tenor of the conversations points to a careful balance between urgent support for Kyiv and the imperative to maintain steady ammunition flows within European defense stocks.
Taken together, the dialogue reflects a strategic effort by the EU to synchronize diplomacy, defense planning, and industrial capacity. The planned utilization of the European Peace Fund underscores the EU’s intent to use existing financial instruments to meet immediate needs while signaling long-term readiness. By bridging stock replenishment with new production incentives, EU policymakers aim to secure a stable supply chain and minimize disruption to allied military capabilities across Europe and its neighbors.