17 EU countries, Norway agree to jointly buy ammunition for Ukraine, own stockpiles

Seventeen European Union countries plus Norway agreed on Monday to jointly procure ammunition to help Ukraine and to replenish their own stockpiles, the EU's European Defense Agency said.

“The project opens the way for EU Member States and Norway to proceed along two paths: a two-year, fast-track procedure for 155mm artillery rounds and a seven-year project to acquire multiple ammunition types,” the agency said in a statement.

The countries signed a so-called project arrangement, setting out the terms of reference for their joint procurement effort. The document is a precursor to starting talks with industry with the aim of signing contracts.

“Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden and Norway have signed,” the agency said.

“More Member States have already expressed their intent to join the initiative soon following national procedures.”

For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

Read more:

EU will never accept Russia threat to its security: Von der Leyen

EU tells member states to cut gas use further

EU imposes new sanctions on 121 individuals, entities over Russia’s war in Ukraine