EU Council and European Parliament agreed on project to increase ammo production

The Council of the European Union has agreed with the European Parliament on a draft regulation on the Ammunition Support Act. The ASAP initiative foresees the production of up to one million rounds of ammunition annually.

The press service of the EU Council reported it.

€500 million for production of artillery ammunition and missiles

This decision will make it possible to urgently allocate 500 million euros from the EU budget to increase the production of ammunition and missiles.

The statement said the EU would mobilise €500 million from the EU budget to support the ramp-up of the manufacturing capacities for the production of ground-to-ground and artillery ammunition and missiles.

Long-term increase in ammo production in Europe for Ukraine and EU states

It will implement the third track of the plan agreed by the Council in March to secure the long-term increase in European ammunition production to the benefit of Ukraine and EU member states.

“With today’s record-breaking ASAP agreement, the EU will strengthen and accelerate its ammunition and missile production in Europe. This is further proof of the EU’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine, strengthening the EU’s defence technology and industrial base and ultimately ensuring the long-term security and safety of EU citizens”. 

Margarita Robles, Spanish Defence Minister (Spain is holding the EU Council Presidency)

Ammo production agreement to enter into force by end of July

The EU Council and the European Parliament need to approve the agreement. It is expected to be signed and entered into force by the end of July.

The Ammunition Production Support Act is part of the EU’s plan to provide Ukraine with one million pieces of artillery ammunition over 12 months.

The ASAP Regulation aims to strengthen the responsiveness and capacity of the EU defence industry to ensure the timely delivery of ammunition and missiles to Europe.

This includes a mechanism to identify, monitor and better anticipate supply chain issues, financial support to strengthen EU industrial production capacity, and the introduction of an interim regulatory framework to address the ammunition supply crisis.