Brussels, 14 November 2023
EU support to Ukraine
The Foreign Affairs Council in its defence configuration discussed EU support to Ukraine, after a brief video message from the Ukrainian Minister of Defence, Rustem Umierov.
The High Representative underlined the need to urgently agree on further military support to Ukraine, to address its immediate needs in terms of air defence, training, ammunition and winter equipment, and thereby allow for its defence against the Russian aggression.
The ministerial discussion then focused on longer-term security commitments, in light of the October European Council conclusions, which invited the High Representative, based on a framework to be endorsed by the Council, to consult with Ukraine, and report back to the European Council in December.
Ministers held a discussion about the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine), which has already reached its objective of training 30.000 Ukrainian soldiers, and now aims at training 10.000 more, and took stock of the EU efforts to deliver ammunition to Ukraine, in the framework of the March 2023 initiative.
In this context, the High Representative confirmed that implementation was ongoing and member states were committed and united in supporting Ukraine for as long as needed.
The objective of one million rounds of ammunition remains the political goal, that we fixed together with the member states. It is ambitious, but it remains our goal and we continue pushing for it, doing everything every day in order to deliver more rapidly more ammunition.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
The High Representative stressed that the European Defence Industry has the capacity to deliver ammunition for Ukraine, but needs predictability. For this reason, the EU agreed on and launched the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) and will present a European defence industrial strategy in early 2024.
Current affairs
Under current affairs, EU Defence Ministers discussed progress on the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity (RDC), a key deliverable of the Strategic Compass which will enable the EU to deploy up to 5.000 troops to respond to imminent threats and react to crisis situations. The RDC should become fully operational in 2025 and, in light of that deadline, the High Representative encouraged member states to contribute with more forces and capabilities and keep up with the agreed timeline.
The High Representative then updated the Council on EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operations, and the impact of a changing geopolitical environment on them. The debate focused, among others, on the Sahel, where the EU will support the coastal states of the Gulf of Guinea in their response to counter the spill over of the terrorist threat, and the EU military operation in Bosnia-Herzegovina, where the mandate of EUFOR ALTHEA was prolonged for another year.
Council conclusions and other decisions
The Council approved conclusions on EU policy on the EU space strategy for security and defence.
The Council also adopted a recommendation assessing the progress made by participating member states to fulfilling binding commitments under the framework of the permanent structured cooperation (PESCO).
- Space: Council approves conclusions on the EU space strategy for security and defence (press release, 14 November 2023)
- Defence Cooperation: Council assesses progress in PESCO and launches its strategic review (press release, 14 November 2023)
Informal breakfast with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
EU Defence Ministers held an informal working breakfast with the Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, and discussed the resilience of critical infrastructure and the ability of EU and NATO to respond to these new threats, against the backdrop of several recent security incidents in the Baltic Sea.
European Defence Agency Steering Board
EU ministers of defence met in the European Defence Agency (EDA) Steering Board under the chairmanship of High Representative Borrell in his capacity as Head of the Agency right before the meeting of the FAC Defence.
The Steering Board approved the 2023 EU Capability Development Priorities. The document serves as a baseline for EU-wide defence planning, and all EU defence-related initiatives. The 22 priorities reflect the military realities observed in Ukraine, support EU defence objectives, and are designed to lead to concrete projects.
EU Defence Ministers also endorsed a joint statement on strengthening the EDTIB’s access to finance and its ability to contribute to peace, stability, and sustainability in Europe. The statement emphasises the importance of enhancing the EDTIB’s access to both public and private finance, deemed critical for sustaining industrial operations, fostering innovation, and enhancing competitiveness.
- EU Defence Ministers agree to prioritise 22 military capabilities to bolster European armed forces (press release, 14 November 2023, EDA website)
- EU Defence Ministers Call for Strengthening the Defence Sector’s Access to Finance (press release, 14 November 2023, EDA website)
Meeting information
- Meeting n°3982-2
- Brussels
- 14 November 2023
Preparatory documents
- List of A items, legislative deliberations
- List of A items, non-legislative activities
- Provisional agenda
- Background brief
Outcome documents
Press releases
- Defence Cooperation: Council assesses progress in PESCO and launches its strategic review – 14 November 2023, 12:20
- Space: Council approves conclusions on the EU space strategy for security and defence – 14 November 2023, 12:10