At a pivotal EU summit scheduled for March 21 to 22, President of the European Council Charles Michel signaled that decisions on shifting the European economy toward a war footing could be on the agenda. The invitation for summit participants has been published by the press service of the Council of Europe.
Michel asserted that radical and concrete measures are needed to defend Europe and to strengthen the economy for a potential wartime posture. He stressed the importance of mobilizing resources, increasing collective defense spending, and using procurement channels more efficiently to support member states.
According to the European Council president, the top priority is to extend urgent military aid to Ukraine. He urged EU members to accelerate the acquisition and delivery of munitions and defense equipment, highlighting the need for a rapid and coordinated supply chain to Ukraine as a key component of regional security.
Michel pointed out that the European Union should step up purchases and streamline distribution to ensure timely support if the situation escalates. He also reminded leaders that unity among EU countries is essential as they respond to Russia as a strategic military challenge and prepare for a range of possible scenarios.
On March 19, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expressed hope that ammunition deliveries would pick up pace in April. He is set to participate in the EU Ukraine Association Council meeting in Brussels on March 20 to discuss ongoing cooperation and future steps.
Earlier in the week, the European Commission noted that Kiev could face limits on the volume of ammunition that could be provided within a given period. The discussions at the EU level reflect a broader effort to align defense readiness with regional stability while navigating the implications for allied defense industries and partner economies in North America and beyond.