“I want to announce an additional €1 billion for drones. We have also agreed on €10 billion for drones, aircraft, and missiles. And this is only the beginning.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that during events marking Ukrainian Statehood Day, according to UATV English. The new money, she said, is part of wider EU defence support for Ukraine.
The extra €1 billion for Ukrainian drone production is paid for through the EU’s €90 billion loan programme for Ukraine, von der Leyen said. The separate €10 billion covers drones, missiles and fighter aircraft. The report describes that sum as approved defence financing.
Sixth cluster opens
Von der Leyen also reported movement on Ukraine’s bid to join the Union. “The next issue is Ukraine’s accession to the European Union,” she said. “We are now opening the sixth cluster on External Relations.”
She called that chapter particularly significant because it reflects the EU’s shared approach to foreign policy and security. “No country understands better what is at stake than Ukraine,” she said.
Questions followed about the four clusters still to come. Her answer was short. “The simple answer is: as soon as possible.” She confirmed that Cluster 2, Internal Market, will be the next one to open.
By UATV’s count, Ukraine has now opened two of the six negotiation clusters required for membership talks. The European Commission has pledged to keep up the pace of the accession process while continuing military and financial support.
