Commission updates its flagship Blue Book traineeship, by opening to graduates from vocational education and training
Today, the European Commission updated rules for its traineeship programme, establishing a single modernised framework that makes the scheme more inclusive and better aligned with Europe’s skills and employment objectives. For the first time, graduates from vocational education and training (VET) will be eligible to apply to the Commission’s traineeship programme – the ‘Blue Book traineeship’ -, broadening access to high-quality traineeships and recognising the value of diverse learning routes across Europe.
The Commission is taking an important step towards ensuring that its traineeship opportunities better reflect the diversity of talent in the European Union. This change supports the objectives of the Union of Skills, helping VET graduates acquire meaningful professional experience in a high-quality European public administration setting. It also recognises the important contribution that VET offers to the labour market.
The updated framework also strengthens the financial conditions available to trainees by improving the structure of grants and allowances, helping reduce practical and financial barriers to participation. These changes are designed to make the traineeship programme more inclusive for candidates from different educational backgrounds, from all over the Union.
At the same time, the new rules reinforce the Commission’s commitment to inclusivity, fairness and a safe working environment. They support equal treatment and seek to ensure that trainees can learn and contribute to an environment defined by respect, dignity and opportunity and they include clear provisions on anti-harassment and non-discrimination. The revised framework places greater emphasis on geographical balance, with the aim of ensuring broad representation across Member States.
By replacing previous, separate decisions with one modernised and streamlined framework, the Commission is making the rules easier to understand for applicants, trainees and services alike. This will improve consistency across the programme and support more efficient administration.
The new framework will now guide the organisation of the Commission’s traineeship programme under a clearer and more up-to-date set of rules, ensuring that it continues to attract talented young people from across the European Union and candidate countries benefitting from the pre-accession strategy, while offering a fair, high-quality and inclusive experience.
Next steps
The updated traineeship rules will start to apply for the session beginning in March 2027.
Applications for that session will be open from 22 July to 4 September 2026.
Background
The Blue Book traineeship is the European Commission’s flagship traineeship programme, attracting primarily recent university graduates from across Europe and beyond. It offers participants a unique first-hand insight into the work of the European Commission and the functioning of the EU institutions more broadly. The programme also helps trainees develop a better understanding of the objectives of European integration and EU policies, while gaining experience in a multicultural working environment.
Over the years, the Blue Book Traineeship has become one of the most attractive and competitive EU traineeship programmes. It receives around 36,000 applications each year and offers nearly 2,000 traineeship places annually across the Commission, 14 EU agencies and bodies, and the European External Action Service (EEAS).
For more information
Blue Book Traineeship programme
Quote(s)
Vocational education and training provides millions of people with the skills needed to thrive in a changing economy. It opens doors to quality jobs and supports Europe’s competitiveness. By opening its traineeship programme to VET graduates, the European Commission is doing what it asks of Member States: treating vocational and academic pathways as equals.
Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness
With today’s decision, we are modernising the Commission’s traineeship programme to make it more open, more inclusive and more supportive. For the first time, people who have completed vocational education and training will be able to access these opportunities, reflecting our commitment to valuing different educational pathways and talent. The new rules also improve working conditions, strengthen geographical balance, improve protection against discrimination and harassment, and simplify the framework through a single set of modern rules.
Piotr Serafin, Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration
Commission accepts X’s action plan to comply with Digital Services Act
The European Commission has accepted X’s action plan to comply with transparency obligations and researchers’ access to data, under the Digital Services Act.
The approved measures represent an important step in enabling researchers, civil society and the public in general to gain more transparency into X’s systems, in particular to monitor X’s systemic risks and to assess the platform’s broader impact on its users and European society as a whole.
Following the Commission’s decision that X is in breach of the DSA and a fine in December 2025, X committed to improving its advertising repository with better search features and faster response times. It will also publish more information about advertisements and enable access via an API.
X will also give eligible researchers effective access to public data by improving and speeding up the screening process for applications, giving access to data free-of-charge, and updating its terms to refrain from contractually prohibiting eligible researchers to scrape public data.
An independent external audit will assess these changes, whose results X will submit to the Commission. If the audit identifies recommendations, X will need to fully implement them.
The Board for Digital Services was consulted on these measures and provided its opinion on 15 June. It considered the proposed changes partially adequate, but deemed X’s audit measures and, as a result, the overall action plan insufficient to address the infringements. In its assessment, the Commission carefully considered the Board’s opinion, recognising the Board’s critical role in evaluating X’s proposed measures under the Digital Services Act. Following the Board’s opinion, the Commission has clarified several points that X must consider in the implementation of the action plan.
X has six months to implement the measures set out in its action plan and it must then issue, and submit to the Commission, an audit of the measures. The Commission will closely monitor progress, in particular on the issues raised by the Board. The Commission will also regularly update the Board and the Digital Services Coordinators on the implementation of the action plan and on its ongoing monitoring activities.
More information is available online.
Commission presents first assessment on the operationalisation of transfers under the new asylum responsibility rules
Today, the Commission adopted a first assessment on the current application of the new responsibility rules under the Pact on Migration and Asylum, covering the first three weeks since the entry into application of the Pact (12 June 2026).
Today’s assessment provides an initial picture of how the Member States identified as being under migratory pressure and benefitting from solidarity under the first Annual Migration Management Cycle apply the new EU rules on responsibility.
The assessment shows that Member States have made considerable progress in implementing the Pact, including as regards their capacity to process responsibility transfers.
In Cyprus and Spain, the operational cooperation regarding the application of the responsibility rules can be considered adequate. The measures that Greece has taken to date indicate that Greece has started to remedy past practices, demonstrating its readiness to ensure the effective implementation of the responsibility rules. The measures taken by Italy also show significant efforts in preparing for the implementation of the new rules, while concrete steps are needed to ensure that transfers take place effectively.
Given that the new responsibility rules have been in application for less than one month, the results of this initial assessment have to be considered preliminary. The Commission will continue to monitor the situation based on the information to be provided by Member States in view of the next assessment in October. The Commission will continue to work closely with all Member States to support the implementation of the Pact.
The Pact on Migration and Asylum entered into application on 12 June 2026, creating a legal framework that is fair and firm, and that balances solidarity and responsibility between Member States. The Pact provides that the Commission assesses the application of the new responsibility rules one month after the entry into application of the Pact and again in October 2026.
EU trade relations with developing countries continue to create sustainable economic growth
Today, the European Commission and the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy published a new joint report on the implementation of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) – the EU’s main trade policy tool to support developing countries’ exports to the bloc. The report confirms that the system continues contributing to economic progress and sustainable development in beneficiary countries. The GSP, which unilaterally offers access to EU markets with low or no duties, remains a source of stability and predictability in times of geopolitical volatility.
The report covers the implementation and impact of the GSP over 2023-2025 through its three arrangements (Standard GSP, GSP+ and Everything But Arms (EBA)). In 2024, the EU imported almost EUR 60 billion worth of goods under GSP preferences, benefitting partner countries as well as EU importers and consumers. GSP beneficiary countries received preferential tariff treatment resulting in an estimated EUR 5 billion savings. The largest category of beneficiaries remained the least-developed countries, benefiting from more than EUR 3 billion of the total under the Everything But Arms (EBA) instrument.
Beyond its trade and economic benefits, GSP remains an attractive and effective incentive for sustainable development in beneficiary countries in the areas of human rights, labour rights, environmental, and climate-related issues, rule of law, drug control and anti-corruption. The EU’s monitoring and engagement under GSP plays a key role in supporting their advancement. In addition, EU partnership projects can help to address some of these challenges through cooperation and country-specific measures.
More information is available in a press release online.
Commission approves pound 41 million Greek State aid for agricultural companies facing increased fertiliser prices
The European Commission has approved a pound 41 million Greek aid scheme to support agricultural companies facing increased fertiliser prices due to the Middle East crisis. The scheme was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted by the Commission on 29 April 2026.
The Greek scheme
Greece notified to the Commission a pound 41 million scheme to support companies active in the primary production of agricultural products. The scheme aims to mitigate the impact of the increase in fertiliser prices.
The aid will take the form of direct grants. The aid covers 15% of the total cost for fertilisers purchased from 15 March 2026 until 31 August 2026. The aid is capped at pound 50,000 per beneficiary.
The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which enables Member States to support the development of certain economic activities subject to certain conditions, as well as Sections 1 and 2.1 of the METSAF. The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the METSAF. In particular, aid will be granted based on a scheme with a clear estimated budget, and aid will be provided to temporarily support the development of companies active in primary production of agricultural products. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to facilitate the development of an economic activity and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest.
On this basis, the Commission approved the Greek scheme under EU State aid rules.
Background
On 29 April 2026, the Commission adopted the METSAF to enable Member States to support the EU economy in the context of the Middle East crisis. The METSAF is a targeted and temporary framework to address the effects of the crisis on some of the most exposed sectors of the economy: agriculture, fishery, transport and energy-intensive industries. The METSAF will be in place until 31 December 2026. During its period of application, the Commission will keep the content, scope and duration of the framework under review in the light of developments in the Middle East and of the general economic situation.
While the transition towards a clean economy remains the long-term solution to shield EU companies from the effects of global energy shocks, the METSAF allows Member States to act immediately to make sure that the growth of the most exposed companies is not irreparably hampered by the current crisis.
To this end, support can take various forms for companies active in the agriculture, fishery and transport sectors. This includes aid based on actual consumption to cover part of the price increases for fuel or fertilisers, and a simplified approach for small amounts of aid.
The METSAF also includes a temporary adjustment to the Clean Industrial Deal State aid Framework (CISAF) allowing for further flexibility and higher aid intensities to address electricity price spikes.
More information on the METSAF is available online.
For more information
The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.123889 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. New publications of State aid decisions on the internet and in the Official Journal are listed in the Competition Weekly e-News.
Commission clears acquisition of Eurolife by Eurobank
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of EUROLIFE FFH LIFE INSURANCE S.A. (‘Eurolife’) by EUROBANK S.A., both of Greece.
The transaction relates primarily to insurance products and services.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies’ limited market positions resulting from the proposed transaction. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12485.
President von der Leyen travels to Kyiv, signs new defence industrial partnership, launches drone deal, and receives Order of Europe award
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, was in Kyiv, Ukraine, yesterday, where she signed a defence industrial partnership, including a new drone deal to promote the production of drones and counter-drone systems between EU Member States and Ukraine. The defence industrial partnership marks a major step forward in the integration of the European and Ukrainian defence industries, with the aim of rapidly scaling up battle-proven capabilities while strengthening defence industrial capacity through long-term investment.
The Commission launched the EU-Ukraine Drone Deal to deepen cooperation on drone and counter-drone technologies. It provides a European framework and coverage to incentivise further national deals and then to provide funding for the scale up and extension of joint production and orders. It is built around joint ventures between selected Ukrainian and European companies, and it will serve as a model to rapidly scale up the production and deployment of battle-proven capabilities in other areas, such as ballistic and anti-ballistic missile systems, and to work across the whole defence supply chains.
Also yesterday, the Commission disbursed a further pound 1 billion for drones under the pound 90 billion Ukraine Support Loan. A pound 10 billion disbursement plan for more drones, missiles and fighter aircraft will follow shortly.
The European Union’s overall support to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion started in 2022 now amounts to pound 216.7 billion.
In Kyiv, President von der Leyen met with President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who awarded her with the Order of Europe, in recognition of the President’s work in shaping a common future for the EU and Ukraine. The President delivered a speech at this event.
President von der Leyen delivered a press statement after meeting with President Zelenskyy. She participated in the ceremony marking the Day of Ukrainian Statehood, together with President Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska. President von der Leyen then took part in the Southeast Europe Summit, gathering the leaders of Albania, Croatia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, and Serbia, where they discussed the geopolitical situation at a moment when the tide is turning for Ukraine.
This was President von der Leyen’s 11th visit to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Commissioner Micallef in Lyon to discuss future EU Youth Strategy
Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef hosts a Youth Policy Dialogue in Lyon today, to hear directly from young people and help shape the next EU Youth Strategy.
Under the title Young Voices for Europe, the event brings together young people from across Europe to share their views, concerns and recommendations on issues that affect their lives.
Discussions will focus on three themes: inclusive participation, exploring how all young people, regardless of their background or circumstances, can help shape EU policies; young people’s most urgent challenges, identifying the issues that matter most to them; and EU support for youth, looking at how the EU can better respond to their needs.
This Youth Policy Dialogue is part of a broader consultation on the EU Youth Strategy beyond 2027. The feedback gathered during the event will feed directly into the development of the next Strategy.
Furthermore, tomorrow, 200 DiscoverEU participants will gather for the first large-scale DiscoverEU Meet-up organised by the European Commission and the French Erasmus+ Youth National Agency. Participants will discuss how EU youth opportunities, including DiscoverEU, can reach and benefit more young people across Europe. They will also take part in workshops on sustainable travel, the Culture Compass for Europe, how to improve DiscoverEU, EU opportunities for youth and more.
Commissioner Micallef said: ‘Europe’s young people are tomorrow’s leaders and essential partners in shaping today’s policies. The Youth Policy Dialogues and the DiscoverEU Meet-ups give them space to share their ideas and experiences. The insights gathered in Lyon will help us ensure the EU opportunities reach more young people.’
The Commission proposed the new pound 115 million pilot funding tool, AGILE in March 2026. It is set to accelerate the development and testing of disruptive defence innovations and their market uptake, such as artificial intelligence, quantum and drones, focusing on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, including start-ups and scale-ups.
Today’s agreement will allow AGILE to be launched already in early 2027, helping to rapidly deliver emerging and disruptive defence products developed by New Defence Players to Member States and associated countries, so that they can develop, test and deploy new technologies and cost-efficient solutions much faster than currently possible, in response to the urgent defence needs they face.
The speed with which the European Parliament and the Council reached this agreement reflects their shared commitment to the timely delivery of the programme, in line with the agility that AGILE is designed to bring to Europe’s defence innovation ecosystem.
Next steps
The agreed Regulation text will now enter into the formal adoption process by the European Parliament and the Council over the coming weeks, to ensure its rapid entry into force.
The instrument is expected to be operational from early 2027 to ensure the rapid delivery of innovative defence solutions to Member States and associated third countries.
Background
In recent years, the European Union has stepped up efforts to strengthen defence research and development, notably through the European Defence Fund (EDF), which promotes cooperative, cross-border projects. Within this framework, the EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) supports start-ups and SMEs, while the Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI), launched by the European Defence Agency, strengthens cooperation among Member States and stakeholders. Together, these instruments provide a solid basis for collaborative defence innovation in Europe.
At the same time, additional efforts are needed to complement existing tools with more agile mechanisms. Recent initiatives, including the Preserving Peace – Readiness Roadmap 2030 and the White Paper for the Future of European Defence – Readiness 2030, stress the need to accelerate innovation and uptake of new technologies.
In this context, the EU Defence Industry Transformation Roadmap calls for a more speed, agility and risk-taking across the European defence ecosystem, and highlights the need for new, more responsive support instruments, paving the way for the AGILE programme.
For More Information
Commission presents pound 115 million Programme for agile and rapid defence innovation (AGILE)
Proposal for a Regulation on establishing AGILE
Factsheet on AGILE
White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030
Quote(s)
Europe has the talent and the technology to lead in defence innovation. I welcome today’s political agreement because it will help our start-ups, SMEs and innovators bring new technologies to defence faster and at greater scale. Strengthening Europe’s technological sovereignty also means ensuring that the best ideas can become the capabilities that keep Europeans safe. I thank the co-legislators for reaching this agreement and for recognising the central role of innovation in Europe’s security.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy
Today’s political agreement is another important milestone in strengthening Europe’s defence preparedness. The war in Ukraine has shown that success on the battlefield depends on the ability to innovate, produce and adapt at speed. This package will help ensure that Europe’s defence industry can more rapidly deliver the capabilities our Member States and Ukraine need while reinforcing our industrial resilience for the long term. I am grateful to the European Parliament and the Council for their constructive cooperation and commitment in bringing this agreement to fruition.
Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space
Today, the European Commission and Ukraine signed a new defence industrial partnership, marking a major step forward in the integration of the European and Ukrainian defence industries. The Commission also launched the EU-Ukraine Drone Deal to deepen cooperation on drone and counter-drone technologies. Finally, the Commission disbursed a further pound 1 billion to support Ukraine’s drone capabilities under the pound 90 billion Ukraine Support Loan.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said: ‘Our defence industrial partnership integrates Ukraine’s defence economy the same way we integrate our markets: By removing barriers and aligning our standards as quickly as possible – from defence procurement to the protection of intellectual property. Allowing for a closer cooperation of our defence industries and joint ventures. Together, we are harnessing our shared industrial strength for our common security.’
These initiatives will enable Ukrainian and EU companies to accelerate the development of critical defence capabilities, to strengthen joint industrial production and to work together on EU-funded defence research and development.
EU-Ukraine Defence Industrial Partnership
Building on the existing bilateral drone agreements between Ukraine and EU Member States, the new partnership will provide a single, coherent EU-Ukraine framework to facilitate, coordinate and support their full implementation.
The EU and Ukraine have agreed to promote the joint production of drones and counter-drone systems between Ukraine and EU Member States by the end of 2026. The agreement aims to rapidly scale up the production and deployment of battle-proven capabilities to counter drones and missiles, while providing the long-term predictability needed to strengthen investment and expand defence industrial capacity in both Ukraine and the European Union.
This cooperation aims to protect against low- to mid-range drones and missiles, to deploy at scale battle-proven drone systems that may be stocked outside the territory of Ukraine, and to provide both defence industrial bases with the predictability needed to decisively step up investment and production.
Building on this approach, the EU and Ukraine will expand their defence industrial cooperation to the joint production of anti-ballistic missiles by 2028, helping to address critical air defence capability gaps. The partnership will prioritise cost-effective missile systems while continuing to strengthen other essential defence capabilities, including artillery production and key supply chains.
The new partnership will deepen the integration of the European and Ukrainian defence industries by removing barriers to cooperation and accelerating the alignment of standards. Work will advance across key areas, from defence procurement to the protection of intellectual property, enabling companies on both sides to cooperate more seamlessly and strengthen Europe’s common security.
EU-Ukraine Drone Deal
The EU-Ukraine Drone Deal will bring together Europe’s industrial capacity and Ukraine’s expertise in drone innovation. It is built around joint ventures between Ukrainian and European companies. The Deal will combine Ukraine’s battlefield-tested capabilities and Europe’s industrial strength and manufacturing scale, supporting targeted technology transfers and investment in dual-use sectors across Ukraine.
The Deal will accelerate the development and production of next-generation drones and counter-drone systems, ensuring Ukraine has the capabilities it needs today while strengthening Europe’s defence readiness for the future.
The Commission will now work with Ukrainian partners and the European drone community in view of the first meeting of the 18 founding members is scheduled to take place in Brussels in September. These include ORQA d.o.o., Indra Group, Fincantieri, WB Electronics/WB Group, Destinus, Delair, RSI Europe, TERMA A/S, Quantum Systems from EU Member States. Selected Ukrainian members are LLC Skyfall Industries, LLC Greentech Harvest, LLC Tencore, LLC Deviro, LLC Vyriy Industry, Scientific production Company ‘ATHLON AVIA’ LLC, LLC TEHAVTOFART PIVDEN” (TAF Industries), UFORCE and F-Drones.
pound 1 billion for drones under the pound 90 billion Ukraine Support Loan
The European Commission today disbursed a further pound 1 billion to Ukraine for drone procurement. This represents the second payment under the first pound 6 billion tranche of the Ukraine Support Loan dedicated to drone procurement, a key capability enabling Ukraine to withstand Russia’s war of aggression.
This disbursement follows the Commission’s first pound 3.2 billion instalment to Ukraine under the dedicated Macro-Financial Assistance programme made on 25 June and the pound 3.9 billion as the first payment dedicated to drone procurement made on June 30.
Looking ahead, the Commission has also approved a pound 10 billion disbursement plan to finance additional drones, missiles and fighter aircraft, underlining the EU’s long-term commitment to Ukraine’s defence and to a stronger, more integrated European defence industrial base.
BraveTechEU, European Defence fund and defence innovation
BraveTech EU, the joint EU-Ukraine initiative initiative to fast-track military technology for Ukraine’s defence industry also moved to its next phase by recognising six companies selected to advance promising defence technologies: Soraccel, EdgeX Robotics, Smaesh, Kova Labs, Tempterno Defence and Rannon.
In the next phase of the programme, these solutions will undergo testing under conditions reflecting the war theatre in Ukraine, thereby helping accelerate the development and deployment of technologies that respond to real battlefield needs.
Finally, Ukraine has been fully associated to the European Defence Fund (EDF) and to the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), enabling Ukrainian and EU companies to form consortia and participate together in collaborative defence research and development projects supported by the Fund. With a budget of pound 7.3 billion for 2021-2027, the EDF supports the development of cutting-edge defence capabilities and strengthens cooperation across the European defence industry.
Background
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is in Kyiv for her 11th visit to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, at a moment when the tide is turning for Ukraine. Building on the European Union’s unprecedented pound 90 billion loan and sustained political, military and financial support, the visit focused on stepping up defence cooperation, including urgent measures to protect Ukraine’s skies from continued Russian drone and missile attacks, as well as new initiatives to integrate European and Ukrainian defence industries to speed up and scale up the production of critical capabilities.
The visit underlines the European Union’s unfailing commitment to support Ukraine as it defends its independence and territorial integrity against Russia’s ongoing aggression.
In February 2026, the European Parliament and the Council adopted Regulation (EU) 2026/467 establishing the Ukraine Support Loan (USL). The Regulation provides for up to pound 90 billion in support to Ukraine. Following Ukraine’s submission of its Financing Strategy in March 2026, the Council adopted, on 23 April 2026, an Implementing Decision determining the assistance to be made available to Ukraine in 2026. The Decision provides for up to pound 45 billion in support for 2026, comprising pound 16.7 billion in budget support and pound 28.3 billion in support for Ukraine’s defence industrial capacities.
The budget support component is split equally between a top-up to the Ukraine Facility and a new Macro Financial Assistance operation, each amounting to up to pound 8.35 billion. The Commission disbursed the first pound 3.2 billion instalment to Ukraine under the pound 90 billion Ukraine Support Loan on 25 June. Funding decisions are based on Ukraine’s evolving needs. All expenditure is subject to agreed conditions and monitoring. Since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU and its Member States have provided EUR 216.7 billion in overall support to Ukraine and Ukrainians, including EUR 3.8 billion from the proceeds of immobilised Russian assets, more than anyone else.
For more information
Macro-Financial Assistance to Ukraine
Commission takes preparatory steps on financial support for Ukraine and boosting drone production
Support to Ukraine
Factsheet – EU solidarity with Ukraine
Quote(s)
Our defence industrial partnership integrates Ukraine’s defence economy the same way we integrate our markets: By removing barriers and aligning our standards as quickly as possible – from defence procurement to the protection of intellectual property. Allowing for a closer cooperation of our defence industries and joint ventures. Together, we are harnessing our shared industrial strength for our common security.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
Ukraine is part of Europe’s future and also of Europe’s security. By bringing Ukraine closer to our common defence innovation ecosystem and by launching the Drone Deal, we are turning solidarity into concrete action. This is about helping Ukraine defend itself today, while also strengthening Europe’s technological edge, industrial capacity and readiness for tomorrow. Crucially, this is a two-way street: Europe gains invaluable, real-world operational insights and battle-tested innovation from Ukraine, accelerating our own defence capabilities in ways peacetime development never could. Our message is clear: we stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, and we work together to build a stronger, more capable European defence.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy
The battlefields of Ukraine have turned into a laboratory for modern warfare and Ukrainian innovators are the best of the best. That is why joint defence research, development and production with Ukraine is simply the smartest way to strengthen Europe’s defence posture. Along with EU funding and collective work in areas like air defence, drone and counter-drone technologies, companies also need space to engage with each other, and that is what we facilitate year on year.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission
Ukraine has by far one of the world’s best and most innovative defence. Their experience gained on the battlefield has shown that innovation, speed and adaptability are decisive in modern warfare. Today’s wars are won not only by military strength, but by drones, cutting-edge technologies and defence industries capable of rapidly developing and scaling up ”good enough solutions”. With our EU defence initiatives already in place, we are now opening a new chapter in EU-Ukraine cooperation: one where we learn more Ukraine, one where Europe’s defence base becomes more innovative, and one where we strengthen our defence readiness to deter and respond to any future security challenges.
Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space
Volodymyr, thank you for your warm welcome. I am still so very moved by this morning’s ceremony. And by the honour of receiving the Order of Europe. It means a lot to me to be back in Kyiv. In recent weeks and months, Russia has intensified its air attacks on your beautiful capital. And on many other Ukrainian cities. So my presence and the presence of other leaders here today carries a simple message. The EU stands with the brave people of Ukraine. Russia may have darkened your skies with smoke. But no one is fooled. No cloud of smoke can hide the reality on the battlefield. Russia’s momentum is weak. Ukraine, on the other hand, continues to resist. Every strike only strengthens your people’s determination to be free. And our resolve to support you and Ukraine any way we can, for as long as needed.
I want to mention three points. My first point is about how we are teaming up to protect your skies. We have just launched our defence partnership. At its heart is our new Drone Deal. What is this about? Very concretely. This new cooperation will be built around joint ventures. With targeted technology transfers, expertise and investment in dual use sectors in Ukraine. The goal is to bring together the best of the Ukrainian and EU drone ecosystems: That is Ukrainian ingenuity, tested every day on the battlefield. And EU industrial strength, able to produce at speed and at scale. We will not only develop the next generation drones and counter-drone systems. Crucially, we will manufacture them faster than ever before. So that Ukraine gets what it needs now. And Europe as a whole builds the capabilities it might need for tomorrow. This is just the beginning. We are paving the way for much more. Because we want to apply this same model of cooperation to other capabilities. Including, for example, missiles and air defence systems.
And we will keep on deepening the integration of our defence industries, on both sides. In the very same way we are integrating our markets. By removing barriers – by aligning our standards – as quickly as possible. From defence procurement to the protection of intellectual property. So that our industries can work together seamlessly. This is why we are also exploring how to strengthen key defence supply chains. Down to the smallest, most essential components. Because defence industries will increasingly be judged by their ability to sustain themselves over time. And we must rise to that challenge as it is a central pillar of our Union’s readiness.
All of this is backed by serious financial support. Our 90 billion EUR Ukraine Support Loan is now fully at work. More than a third will be invested in defence products for Ukraine this year alone. On 30 June we disbursed the first military assistance package – this time for drones only. That is the largest drone support package globally. And today, I am glad to announce a new disbursement of 1 billion EUR for drones to help clear your skies. Rest assured that much more is coming. Because we have just approved a 10 billion EUR disbursement plan. For more drones, missiles and fighter aircraft. So as I said, this is really just the beginning.
Volodymyr, my second point is on accession. Last month, we opened the first cluster, on Fundamentals. It was a historic breakthrough. And now, only a few weeks later, we have opened another one. Cluster 6, on External Relations. And it is not any cluster. This one has a special meaning. It is about how we see the world. How we act in the world. How we defend our values and our interests. Of course, no country could possibly understand what is at stake better than Ukraine. You are preparing for your future as a Member State of our Union. But the truth is,
your actions are already shaping the future of our entire continent. And the optics of geopolitics for decades to come. So this opening carries a special meaning. On external relations, Ukraine is definitely acting as a future Member State of our Union. One we are infinitely proud of.
Volodymyr, this will stand as an important part of your legacy. So let me congratulate you once again. And now of course the reform effort continues across the board. So that we can open many more clusters, as quickly as possible. Rest assured that the Commission, and me personally, we will stand fully by your side throughout this process. Ready to support you, every step of the way.
My last point is on preparations for the winter. Volodymyr, summer is beautiful here. And I cannot wait to come back in a time of peace. But we will not forget the winters Russia has inflicted on Ukraine and its people. The Kremlin has tried to freeze your people into submission. Winter after winter, it failed. It has failed because of the extraordinary resilience of the Ukrainian people. And because Europe has stood by your side. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the EU has invested over 4 billion EUR for winterisation and energy. Including 920 million for this year only. Just to keep Ukraine’s energy system running in harsh times. And as we prepare for another winter, our support continues. We are helping repair, rebuild and strengthen Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, according to our well-oiled plan. Whatever happens, this winter of 2026, we will do our utmost to keep light and heats on in Ukrainian homes. As always, and forever, you can count on us.