Check against delivery! 

Good morning,

We will continue discussing about [Russia’s] war in Ukraine with the Ministers of Defence.  

There are important issues. First, we have the [Steering] Board of the European Defence Agency (EDA), and we will welcome Denmark [as a] new member. 

We will have a look at the new PESCO projects – 11 new PESCO projects – which is an important way of increasing the cooperation between our armies.  

And then, after the [Steering] Board of the European Defence Agency, we will go to the Defence Ministers Council. 

We will look at the ammunitions’ deliveries. I will give you, after the meeting, concrete data about the two tracks which are under my responsibility. I think I will be able to provide good news. Things are on track, and we are delivering, but let me give you the data after. 

Then, we will have a look at the European Peace Facility (EPF). Altogether, at the moment thanks to the European Peace Facility, we have incentivised €10 billion of military support to Ukraine. The Member States have presented us bills [worth] €10 billion, which is much more than expected.  

With €3.6 billion from the European Peace Facility, we have triggered €10 billion of military support.

And this military support has to continue. I am happy that finally the training of the pilots for the F16 [fighter jets] has started in several countries. It will take time, but the sooner the better.  

And they opened the door for the provision of [fighter] jets. You know, it is always the same thing. We discuss, [and] at the beginning, everybody is reluctant, and at the end - with the Leopards, with the F16 - the decision comes to provide this military support because it is absolutely needed in order for the Ukrainians to continue defending [themselves].

So, it is going to be a profitable meeting. I [will] give you concrete data after.

Q&A 

Q. There are so many issues right now, the second round in Turkish elections. Can you give me your opinion, your perspective? 

No, we are not going to talk about the Turkish elections today.

Q. Do you have a message to Hungary, because they are apparently blocking? 

Yes, “apparently” not. Unhappily, this is not an appearance, it is a reality, but we will solve it. We cannot block the support to Ukraine. I am sure it will be deblocked. 

Q. About the joint purchase of ammunitions, can you tell us a bit more? 

We are on track, and I will provide concrete figures after [the meeting]. 

Q. Is 1 million still a realistic target? Can you do 1 million shells for 12 months? 

We are on track. 

Q. On the F16 [fighter jets], you said that the training has already started in several countries. Which countries are you talking about? 

For example, Poland’s [position on this issue is known for months].

Q. On the sanctions package against Iran that you have decided. Can you tell more details, please? 

Today, we have this agenda. 

Q. About the peace initiative from Denmark [inaudible] 

I do not have information about that. 

Q. Are you discussing the shortage of nitrocellulose for ammunition production? Do you have solutions for this?  

We will take action. 

Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-241678