European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius delivers a speech at an event commemorating Ukraine’s Independence Day in Brussels, Belgium, on August 24, 2025. Getty Images/Thierry Monasse
As the media notes Suspilne
Europe needs Ukraine’s experience: the EU Commissioner for Defense and Space emphasizes the importance of joint weapons procurement and defense initiatives, notably through the “Eastern Shield” and the SAFE defense loan program.
In the interview, he explains Ukraine’s participation in European defense financing mechanisms, how joint procurements work, and what this means for strengthening defense capabilities in the face of new challenges from Russia.
“If EU member states procure weapons in Ukraine, they will be able to acquire twice as many modern weapons as they would if they bought them in their own countries for the same money. Ukrainians produce very good weapons at a lower price”
Key Areas of EU-Ukraine Cooperation
The EU is steadily developing the SAFE program – a financial instrument to support defense procurement. Recently, member states agreed on loans totaling 150 billion euros, part of which they already plan to use for Ukraine.
To date, 19 member states have approved part of the loans, and 13 of them have stated that these funds will go to supporting Ukraine. Details will become known by the end of November, but already this is regarded as a significant new initiative to bolster Ukraine’s defense potential.
Ukraine will have the opportunity to participate in joint weapons procurements together with the EU and to purchase defense products from Ukrainian enterprises. According to experts, in mutual procurement Ukraine can supply the necessary weapons for the same money in larger quantities.
“That is why this has once again strengthened the conviction that we need to build what we call the ‘Eastern Shield’.”
An important element remains the operational coordination with member states regarding the procurement of drones, missiles, and artillery munitions, as well as the development of defense technologies within Ukraine.
Also active work on further steps for SAFE: financing that allows EU members to modernize defense through access to loans and investments, in order to respond quickly to the needs of allies and partners. By the end of the year they expect concrete investment plans for Ukraine.
Additionally, they discuss how to effectively counter GNSS jamming and manipulation: plans to strengthen Galileo and create new systems in orbit, including low Earth orbit monitors (LEO-PNT), which will increase navigation resilience to threats.
“The incident with Russian drones is a fairly clear signal. I interpret it very simply: Putin is testing our defense readiness, what tools we have to counter drone attacks. As the situation showed, NATO responded very well. But it also turned out that we do not have the capabilities that Ukraine has. In particular, to fight drones without using missiles that cost a million euros.”
Regarding energy policy, the EU aims to significantly reduce dependence on Russian supplies. Although some countries, for various reasons, still rely on energy imports, the overall trend toward diversification of supplies is already clearly evident. At the same time, the United States insists on strengthening sanctions against Russia and other key players that complicate Europeans’ energy dependence.
Read also:
- Denmark will provide satellite services to Ukrainian military via the European Defence Agency, enhancing secure communication for defense against Russian aggression.
- Olga Stefanishyna explains her resignation due to EU partners’ reluctance to make key decisions and highlights her new role in the USA to support Ukraine’s cooperation and arms procurement.
- Ukrainian President Zelensky met with Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski to discuss regional security, drone defense cooperation, and Ukraine’s EU integration prospects.
