Speaking in Kiev next to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on July 15 local time, Ms. Von der Leyen said the agreement would combine Ukrainian drone technology with the large-scale production of Europe.
Previously, Ukraine had signed similar agreements with a number of European Union (EU) member states and Gulf countries to share and exploit experiences and technologies.
These agreements are flexibly adjusted by country. Ukraine will provide drone designs and technology in exchange for royalties, investments and other military equipment.
Ms. Von der Leyen emphasized that the EU and Ukraine cooperate to promote the defense industry of both sides, thereby increasing investment and production.
However, Ms. Von der Leyen did not provide detailed information about the funding that will be allocated to this agreement.
Europe recently began disbursing a loan of 90 billion euros to support defense and budget for Ukraine. The initial disbursement in this loan package is worth 6 billion euros, to support Ukraine in strengthening drone production.
Previously, President Zelensky said that Ukraine is currently producing 10 million drones/year and aims to double production.
Also on July 15, EU member states agreed to extend the temporary protection status for Ukrainian refugees until March 2028.
At Kiev's request, in order to strengthen human resources for the military, the EU will not apply new regulations to men of military service age to this bloc from the time the regulations take effect. Men aged 23 to 60 who are military servicemen are not allowed to leave the country.
The EU said that the new restriction only applies to temporary protection applicants after the regulation takes effect and does not affect those currently enjoying protection.
Currently, there are about 4.4 million Ukrainians living in the EU under temporary protection, of which Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic are the three countries that receive the most refugees.
Data from the EU shows that adult men account for about 27%, women 43% and adolescents 30%, out of the total number of Ukrainians currently enjoying protection mechanisms in this bloc.
