Last year, the EU pledged to deliver much-needed ammunition to Ukraine by March 2024 to help Kyiv fight a full-scale Russian invasion.
Until now, the member states of the Community have provided Ukraine with about 300,000 tons from their available reserves. ammunition.
Currently, the countries are placing joint orders for 155 mm shells, but it is doubtful whether defense companies will be able to produce enough of them in time.
“Unfortunately, the warning voices are right now,” Pistorius said during a meeting with EU colleagues in Brussels.
“A million will not be achieved. We have to assume that,” the minister added.
EU officials say it is too early to say the target will not be met, despite growing skepticism that it can be achieved.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell pointed out that a big problem is that almost 40 percent of European defense companies products are exported to other countries of the world.
“Perhaps we should try to transfer its production to the priority area – Ukraine. This would be a significant change,” said Mr. Borrell.
European Commissioner responsible for the internal market, Thierry Breton, indicated that attempts to increase production have yielded results and the EU should be able to produce one million artillery shells per year.
All efforts are being made to deliver artillery shells to Ukraine
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur stated that Tallinn ordered ammunition for 280 million. euros, which, according to him, is currently the largest purchase among EU countries.
“We will try to do everything possible to deliver the shells to Ukraine, because they need it,” he said.
“Look at Russia. Today, it produces more than ever before. It receives shells from North Korea. Europe cannot say that Russia and North Korea can supply, and we cannot,” added H. Pevkur.
At the same time, opposition from the US Congress casts doubt on the ability of Washington, a key ally, to ensure delivery.
Brussels says that since February 2022, when Moscow invaded Ukraine, it has allocated 27 billion, together with EU member states. EUR military support to Kyiv.
In July, Mr. Borrell proposed to establish a new 20 bln. euro fund to help cover the costs of supplying arms to Ukraine.
The plan is part of a broader G7 pledge to provide Ukraine with long-term security commitments to protect itself from Russian aggression.
But the debate on the EU initiative has stalled due to the doubts of some member states.
Last week, Germany, which said it would double its funding to Ukraine next year to $8 billion, euros, is not inclined to allocate additional funds to the EU fund.
Mr. Borrell indicated that the EU will submit a revised plan for Ukraine by the end of this month, which will be considered by Community leaders in December.
window.fbAsyncInit = function() {
FB.init({
appId: ‘117218911630016’,
version: ‘v2.10’,
status: true,
cookie: false,
xfbml: true
});
};
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) {
return;
}
js = d.createElement(s);
js.id = id;
js.src = “https://connect.facebook.net/lt_LT/sdk.js”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
#Germany #reach #goal #sending #million #artillery #shells #Ukraine #year
2024-09-17 10:35:09
What are the current challenges facing the EU in delivering one million artillery shells to Ukraine by March 2024?
EU’s Pledge to Deliver Artillery Shells to Ukraine: Can the Target Be Met?
As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, the European Union has pledged to deliver much-needed ammunition to Ukraine by March 2024. The EU has already provided Ukraine with approximately 300,000 tons of ammunition from its member states’ available reserves. However, there are growing concerns about whether the EU can meet its target of delivering one million artillery shells to Ukraine.
Doubts and Skepticism
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed his concerns, stating, ”Unfortunately, the warning voices are right now… A million will not be achieved. We have to assume that.” EU officials acknowledge the challenges, but insist that it is too early to say the target will not be met. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell highlighted the issue of European defense companies exporting almost 40% of their products to other countries, suggesting that production should be prioritized for Ukraine.
Production Challenges
Defense companies are struggling to produce enough artillery shells in time to meet the EU’s target. To address this, EU Commissioner Thierry Breton indicated that attempts to increase production have yielded results, and the EU should be able to produce one million artillery shells per year. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur announced that Tallinn has ordered ammunition worth 280 million euros, the largest purchase among EU countries.
Efforts to Deliver Artillery Shells
EU countries are placing joint orders for 155 mm shells, but it is uncertain whether defense companies can produce enough in time. Pevkur emphasized the importance of delivering shells to Ukraine, stating, “We will try to do everything possible to deliver the shells to Ukraine, because they need it.” He also pointed out that Russia is producing more artillery shells than ever before and is receiving supplies from North Korea, highlighting the need for Europe to step up its efforts.
US Congress Opposition
Meanwhile, opposition from the US Congress casts doubt on the ability of Washington to ensure delivery. This development has added to the uncertainty surrounding the EU’s pledge to deliver artillery shells to Ukraine.
EU’s Financial Commitment
Since February 2022, the EU has allocated 27 billion euros, together with EU member states, in military support to Kyiv. In July, Borrell proposed establishing a new 20 billion euro fund to help cover the costs of supplying arms to Ukraine. The plan is part of a broader G7 pledge to provide Ukraine with long-term security commitments to protect itself from Russian aggression.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the EU’s financial commitment, the debate on the initiative has stalled due to doubts from some member states. Germany, which has pledged to double its funding to Ukraine next year to 8 billion euros, is not inclined to allocate additional funds to the EU fund. Borrell indicated that the EU will submit a revised plan for Ukraine by the end of this month, which will be considered by Community leaders in December.
Conclusion
The EU’s pledge to deliver artillery shells to Ukraine is a crucial step in supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression. While there are doubts and challenges ahead, the EU is working tirelessly to meet its target. As Pevkur aptly put it, “Look at Russia. Today, it produces more than ever before. It receives shells from North Korea. Europe cannot say that Russia and North Korea can supply, and we cannot.” The EU’s efforts to deliver artillery shells to Ukraine are a testament to its commitment to supporting Ukraine and promoting European security.
Keywords: EU, Ukraine, Russia, artillery shells, ammunition, defense companies, Josep Borrell, Boris Pistorius, Hanno Pevkur, Thierry Breton, US Congress, G7 pledge.
Meta Description: The EU has pledged to deliver one million artillery shells to Ukraine by March 2024, but doubts and challenges are emerging. Can the target be met? Read more about the EU’s efforts to support Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.
Header Tags:
H1: EU’s Pledge to Deliver Artillery Shells to Ukraine: Can the Target Be Met?
H2: All efforts are being made to deliver artillery shells to Ukraine
Russian aggression.
EU Struggles to Deliver One Million Artillery Shells to Ukraine by March 2024
The European Union (EU) is facing significant challenges in its attempt to deliver one million artillery shells to Ukraine by March 2024, as pledged last year. The ambitious goal was set to support Ukraine in its fight against the full-scale Russian invasion. Despite the efforts of EU member states, it appears that the target may not be met, sparking concerns about the EU’s ability to provide crucial military aid to Ukraine.
Current Challenges
The main obstacle hindering the EU’s progress is the limited production capacity of European defense companies. The companies are struggling to keep up with the demand, which has led to a shortage of artillery shells. Moreover, almost 40% of European defense companies’ products are exported to other countries, making it difficult to redirect resources to prioritize Ukraine’s needs.
EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell emphasized the need to transfer production to the priority area, Ukraine, stating that it would require a significant change. Meanwhile, European Commissioner Thierry Breton remains optimistic, citing attempts to increase production that have yielded results, and believes the EU can produce one million artillery shells per year.
Joint Efforts
Despite the challenges, EU member states are making joint efforts to deliver artillery shells to Ukraine. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur announced that Tallinn has ordered ammunition worth 280 million euros, the largest purchase among EU countries. Pevkur stressed that Estonia will do everything possible to deliver the shells to Ukraine, highlighting the urgent need for European support.
United States’ Role
The United States, a key ally, is also facing opposition from Congress, casting doubt on its ability to ensure delivery. This adds to the uncertainty surrounding the EU’s ability to meet its goal.
EU’s Commitment to Ukraine
Since February 2022, the EU has allocated 27 billion euros in military support to Ukraine, with EU member states contributing to this effort. In July, Borrell proposed establishing a new 20 billion euro fund to help cover the costs of supplying arms to Ukraine. The plan aims to provide Ukraine with long-term security commitments to protect itself from Russian aggression.
Revised Plan
The EU is expected to submit a revised plan for Ukraine by the end of this month, which will be considered by Community leaders in December. However, Germany, which has pledged to double its funding to Ukraine next year to 8 billion euros, is not inclined to allocate additional funds to the EU fund.
Conclusion
The EU’s struggle to deliver one million artillery shells to Ukraine by March 2024 highlights the complexities of coordinating military aid among member states. While joint efforts are being made, the challenges facing the EU underscore the need for a unified and committed approach to supporting Ukraine in its fight against
