The EU ambassadors held talks to ensure the supply of ammunition to Ukraine, but failed to reach an agreement on which companies will receive the right to produce shells to replenish European stocks after these deliveries, Politico writes, citing sources familiar with the negotiations.
It has not yet been decided whether supply contracts will be concluded only with companies from the EU or whether external manufacturers will also be allowed to government contracts. According to the publication, France, supported by Greece and Cyprus, insists on the need to limit the range of defense enterprises only to European ones. The latter fear that Turkish companies may otherwise receive contracts, while Athens and Nicosia have tense relations with Ankara.
At the same time, according to the interlocutors of the publication, in order to make a final decision, the European Commission will have to study the possibilities of European manufacturers. It is known that the European Union has already identified 15 companies from 11 member countries that will be able to produce ammunition, but whether their capacity will be sufficient is not yet clear.
Recall that in March, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell announced that the EU countries pledged to supply Kyiv with 1 million 155-mm shells over the next 12 months. At the beginning of March 2023, The Financial Times wrote that Kiev asked the EU to supply it with 250,000 shells per month, with the current expenditure of 110,000 155mm ammunition monthly.
Source: Rosbalt
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