The EU plans to allocate 6 billion euros from the ERA loan, which is secured by frozen Russian assets, to join the "drone alliance" with Ukraine. This was stated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a speech in the European Parliament on the state of affairs in the EU, Ukrinform reports.
"Europe will provide 6 billion euros from the ERA (Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration) loan and conclude a "drone alliance" with Ukraine. Ukraine has ingenuity. Now it needs scaling. And together we can provide it so that Ukraine maintains its advantage and Europe strengthens its own," said Ursula von der Leyen.
According to her, drones cause more than two-thirds of the losses of Russian military equipment on the battlefield. However, Russia receives support from Iran in the form of Shaheds, and also takes advantage of the mass industrial production of drones.
Ursula von der Leyen noted that the EU can use its own production to support Ukraine.
"We can help turn Ukrainian ingenuity into a battlefield advantage and into joint industrialization," said the President of the European Commission.
She also added that based on the interest from the "frozen" Russian assets, the EU could provide Ukraine with a loan for reparations. The assets themselves would not be seized, but Europe would have to bear the risks of such a step collectively.
Ursula von der Leyen noted that Ukraine will repay the loan only after Russia pays reparations. At the same time, the money will help today, financing the Armed Forces of Ukraine and guaranteeing Ukraine's security in the medium and long term.
"So, we will propose a new program. We call it "Qualitative Military Advantage". It will support investments in the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," the President of the European Commission assured.
Ursula von der Leyen also emphasized that Europe has been the biggest supporter of Ukraine. According to her, about 170 billion euros in military and financial assistance has already been provided, but even more is needed.
She specifically emphasized that it is not only European taxpayers who must bear this burden, but also Russia. Therefore, the EU needs to create a new solution for financing support for Ukraine.
Earlier, European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius called for a "drone wall" to protect the EU. This was stated against the backdrop of the Russian drone attack on Poland.