Brussels, 2 May 2024
On Monday, 6 May, the EU will host the EU-Ukraine Defence Industries Forum in Brussels. Over 350 representatives from the EU institutions, governments, European and Ukrainian defence industries, industry associations, key partner countries and organisations will gather to strengthen defence industrial cooperation between the EU and Ukraine. The event is organised with the support of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU and the Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe.
The event will start with a High-level Conference in the morning, followed by business matchmaking session in the afternoon. The Forum aims to strengthen cooperation between European and Ukrainian defence industries and help Ukraine to obtain capabilities in priority areas that Ukraine needs most – air defence, ammunition, missiles, and drones. The EU-Ukraine Defence Industries Forum is a first, concrete step in the implementation of the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) and an important part of the EU’s broader support to Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty, freedom and independence against Russia’s war of aggression.
High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell and Commissioner Thierry Breton will participate alongside the Belgian Minister of Defence Ludivine Dedonder, as well as Ukrainian Minister for Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin. They will deliver doorstep remarks at 08:30 CEST and opening remarks at 09:00 CEST. The doorstep and opening remarks will be streamed on EbS.