The European Parliament has approved a package of measures that would allow European Union funding to cover defense technology testing in Ukraine.
Under the Defense Readiness Omnibus, testing costs incurred in Ukraine would become eligible for support from the European Defense Fund (EDF), the bloc’s main program for collaborative military research and development.
The change is intended to give European defense companies faster access to operational feedback from the Ukrainian military.
Technologies could be evaluated through rapid trials, continuous testing, and battlefield use, allowing lessons from the war to be incorporated into new or upgraded systems.
The measure expands the types of costs that existing EDF projects can finance as part of broader efforts to strengthen cooperation between the EU and Kyiv.
It forms part of a provisional agreement reached by parliament and the Council of the EU in June.
Following parliament’s approval, the legislation must still be formally adopted by the Council before it can enter into force.
Faster Production and Procurement
Testing in Ukraine is one part of a wider legislative package designed to remove administrative barriers and accelerate Europe’s military buildup.
The measures would simplify EDF applications, increase incentives for projects involving small- and medium-sized companies, and make the program’s implementation more predictable.
They would also establish faster authorization procedures for defense readiness projects.
National authorities would have up to 102 working days to decide on permit applications, although governments could retain exceptions where projects pose serious risks to public health or national security.
Other provisions would raise procurement thresholds, make it easier for EU countries to purchase equipment jointly, and streamline the transfer of defense products between member states.
The package is intended to help European manufacturers expand production of equipment including drones, sensors, and ammunition while improving security of supply across the bloc.
“Europe’s security can no longer be taken for granted,” Security and Defense Committee co-rapporteur Sven Mikser said, arguing that stronger investment must be accompanied by closer cooperation and a more capable European defense industry.