Mechanism for implementing EUR 500 million allocated by the Netherlands to the Ukrainian defence industry discussed in Brussels

During the Second EU-Ukraine Defence Industries Forum (DFNC2: EU Edition) in Brussels, Ukraine’s Minister of Strategic Industries, Herman Smetanin, and Deputy Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine for European Integration, Davyd Aloian, held a meeting with Koen Davidse, Director of General Policy at the Netherlands Ministry of Defence.

The meeting focused on financial mechanisms to support Ukraine’s defence industrial complex. In particular, discussions centred on the implementation of the EUR 500 million previously allocated for the “drone line” – the production of unmanned aerial vehicles. This was announced by Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans in late March this year.

“Since then, discussions have been ongoing regarding the mechanism for deploying these funds. The financing will be implemented through the ‘Dutch model,’ which involves direct contracts with manufacturers. I sincerely thank the Government of the Netherlands for their unwavering support of Ukraine, particularly our defence industry,” said Herman Smetanin.

Representatives of the Dutch delegation emphasised the introduction of new investment mechanisms for Ukraine’s defence industry and reaffirmed their steadfast support for Ukraine: “The Netherlands stands with Ukraine. We held a productive discussion on investing in Ukraine’s innovative defence industry, drones, air defence, and support for Ukraine’s defence industrial complex. Collaboration is key; Ukraine needs Europe, but Europe also needs Ukraine.”

As a reminder, on 31 March, Ukraine’s Minister of Strategic Industries, Herman Smetanin, held a working meeting with Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans at one of Ukraine’s defence enterprises, where potential investments in Ukraine’s defence industry were discussed.