France advocates for the swift provision of a €90 billion loan from the European Union to Ukraine, aimed at ensuring long-term stability in military and economic sectors. This decision will facilitate further integration of the European and Ukrainian defense industries, particularly in the field of drones.
This is reported by Finway
Support for the Defense Industry and Economic Predictability
During an inspection of defense industry enterprises, Minister Delegate for Europe Benjamin Haddad emphasized the importance of finalizing the loan approved by the European Council in December. According to him, this mechanism will provide the Ukrainian society with predictability for several years ahead, both economically and militarily.
“The €90 billion loan approved by the Euro Council in December needs to be finalized to give Ukrainians predictability for the coming years – both economically and militarily,” said Haddad.
France is also actively promoting the principle of “European preference” in the defense sector, which prioritizes procurement from EU countries and the development of its own industrial base. This approach aims to reduce dependence on external suppliers, strengthen technological sovereignty, and ensure control over the export of defense products.
Investments in Joint Defense Projects and Expanding Cooperation
Among the key topics to be discussed at the meeting with European Commissioner Andrius Kubilius are the approval of the new seven-year EU budget and the expansion of ambitions in the fields of defense and space.
Notably, the €150 billion SAFE program aims to provide loans to EU member states for investments in critical defense capabilities. France plans to secure over €16 billion from this fund.
The minister emphasized the need to create a joint defense ecosystem with Ukraine, highlighting that a strong Ukrainian army is the guarantee of security. He noted the innovative role of Ukrainian manufacturers, particularly in the drone sector, and stressed the interest in maximizing the integration of relevant industries.
During a working visit, the Minister Delegate, along with Minister Delegate at the French Ministry of Defense Alice Roufaux and European Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, visited several defense sector enterprises. In Bourges, the delegation inspected MBDA facilities where equipment for missile systems is produced and tested, and in Domera, the Safran Electronics & Defense plant, which specializes in the service and production of technology and software for aviation, defense, and space.
Earlier, European Commissioner Andrius Kubilius emphasized the urgent need to unblock the European loan to support Ukraine’s defense efforts, as well as to deepen cooperation between European and Ukrainian defense product manufacturers.
Photo: Press service of Benjamin Haddad