The European Union is set to allocate €2 billion ($2.3 billion) for the production of drones for Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement on Tuesday, September 30, ahead of a meeting of the European Commission Defence College.
The move comes as the EU intensifies efforts to strengthen regional defence and counter Russian airspace violations. European leaders are also considering the development of a “drone wall” under the Eastern Flank Watch initiative to secure the bloc’s eastern borders.
“We have agreed with Ukraine that a total of €2 billion will be spent on drones now. This allows Ukraine to scale up and use its full capacity. And of course, it will also allow the EU to benefit from this technology,” von der Leyen said.
The announcements come in the run-up to an informal European Council summit in Copenhagen, where EU leaders are expected to deliberate on defence strategy and advance work on the joint NATO-EU Readiness Roadmap 2030.
EU Commits Over $2 Billion for Ukraine Drone Program
Von der Leyen stressed that if Europe continues to regard Ukraine as its “first line of defence,” military support must be reinforced.
She noted that Europe must deliver a strong and united response to Russian drone incursions.
The European Commission President also discussed ways to fund Ukraine’s long-term support.
Also Read: Zelenskyy to Pay Trump $1 Billion for Military Equipment
She proposed a “reparations loan” linked to Russian assets frozen in Europe, explaining that the facility would be released in tranches under set conditions, with part of the funds directed toward military procurement from European industries.
“That is why I put forward the idea of a reparations loan based on immobilized Russian sovereign assets. The loan will not be issued in a single lump sum, but rather in tranches, subject to certain conditions. We will strengthen our defence industry by ensuring that part of the loan is used for purchases in Europe and with European participation. Importantly, there will be no seizure of assets. Ukraine must repay the loan if Russia pays reparations. The guilty party must be held accountable,” she added.
Also Read: Ukraine Secures $1.5 Billion in US Arms Purchases Backed by NATO Allies
Win for Ukraine
He cautioned against the costly practice of using expensive missiles to take down low-cost drones.
“We are helping the Ukrainians, because this is about our values, but also about, indeed, the first line of defence — our collective safety,” Rutte said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the growing economic pressure on Moscow, noting that sanctions have begun to bite.
She said Russia’s GDP growth is expected to fall sharply—from 4.3% in 2024 to just 0.9% in 2025.
To tighten the squeeze, the Commission has proposed a new sanctions package targeting energy, financial services, and trade, with a proposed ban on Russian LNG imports at its core.
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