Following negotiations with the Council of the EU, the European Parliament adopted the plans on July 13 to increase the EU ammunition and missile production to tackle Ukraine's shortages, allocating 500 million euros ($560 million). This information is reported by the press service of the EP.
The Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) aims to enhance production capacities and expedite the delivery of ammunition and missiles to the Ukrainian military.
Read more: Ukraine’s Defense Minister Says the Country Hopes Receive Air Defense Equipment, Million Artillery Rounds from EU ASAP
ASAP is part of the EU's plan to provide Ukraine with one million artillery rounds within 12 months, as proposed in March 2022. The ASAP regulation aims to strengthen the EU's response capabilities and the defense industry's ability to ensure timely ammunition and missile delivery within Europe.
During negotiations with the Council of the European Union, Members of the European Parliament secured funding for a more diverse range of projects, as well as a higher level of financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The MEPs confident that the adoption of ASAP is a step in the right direction. “Today’s vote marks another step forward for Europe’s security and defense, and in our steadfast support of Ukraine in the face of the ongoing Russian aggression. We delivered on the most urgent aspect of the law: ensuring the provision of more ammunition for Ukraine. It is a testimony of Europe’s solidarity and for our collective security,” said the leader of the Parliament's negotiating team Cristian Busoi.
MEPs also emphasized that EU countries should provide Ukraine with ammunition funded under this legislation, without export restrictions. The draft bill was approved with 505 votes in favor, 56 against, and 21 abstentions. The document still needs to be endorsed by the Council of the European Union to become effective.
As Defense Express reported, the European Commission to Boost the Ammunition Production, Ukraine will Get a Delivery Worth 1 Billion Euro.
Read more: German Chancellor Promises to Deliver Three More IRIS-T Systems to Ukraine ASAP
