Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s ongoing invasion of its territory has managed to hold firm thanks to weapon deliveries organised by its Western allies. Tank deliveries were debated for a long time but have now started, while talks over aircraft supplies are heating up.
Ammunition like bullets and rocket shells have also been provided from existing stockpiles. But those weapon caches are slowly but surely becoming depleted and European countries in particular need to start thinking about replacing them.
That is where the EU comes in. Last week, the European Commission published an emergency act that aims to boost industrial production in the arms sector by unlocking new financing.
According to the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP), 1 million artillery shells should be produced over the course of the next year, both to replenish national supplies and continue weapon deliveries to Ukraine.
ASAP will tap into the existing European Defence...