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The European Union will provide an additional €1 billion to support Ukraine’s drone production and has approved a further €10 billion in defense financing for drones, missiles, and fighter aircraft, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced, UATV English reports.
Speaking during events marking Ukrainian Statehood Day, von der Leyen said the new funding is part of the EU’s broader defense support for Ukraine.
“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,” she said.
According to von der Leyen, the €1 billion allocation is financed through the EU’s €90 billion loan program supporting Ukraine.
The European Commission president also announced progress in Ukraine’s accession negotiations with the European Union.
“The next issue is Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. We are now opening the sixth cluster on External Relations,” she said.
Von der Leyen described the chapter as 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.
Responding to questions about the remaining negotiation chapters, von der Leyen said the European Commission intends to move forward as quickly as possible.
“I hear questions about when the remaining four clusters will be opened. The simple answer is: as soon as possible,” she said.
She confirmed that Cluster 2 – Internal Market will be the next chapter to open in Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations.
Ukraine has now opened two of the six negotiation clusters required for membership talks, with the European Commission pledging to maintain the pace of the accession process alongside continued military and financial support for the country.
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