EU Begins Discussions on Up to 63 Trillion KRW Military Support for Ukraine

Decision Made for Voluntary Participation
Instead of Unanimity

The European Union (EU) has begun discussing a new military aid package for Ukraine worth up to 40 billion euros (approximately 63 trillion won).

Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated at the EU foreign ministers' meeting of the 27 member states held in Brussels, Belgium on the 17th (local time), "There is broad political support for (the new aid)," and that details would be discussed at the meeting.

Prior to the meeting, High Representative Kallas proposed to the 27 countries a plan to provide military aid to Ukraine ranging from 20 billion euros (approximately 32 trillion won) to 40 billion euros. The idea is to support an amount greater than the 20 billion euros combined aid provided by EU member states last year, with the possibility of increasing it up to twice as much depending on Ukraine's needs.

The plan also includes a target to supply 2 million artillery shells by the end of this year. The funding is being considered to be allocated differentially based on the Gross National Income (GNI) of participating countries.

The 40 billion euros corresponds to about 62.5% to 64.5% of the cumulative military aid provided to Ukraine so far by the United States and Europe. According to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy in Germany, since the outbreak of the war in February 2022 until last year, the United States has provided a total of 64 billion euros (approximately 101 trillion won), while the 27 EU countries along with the United Kingdom and Norway have provided 62 billion euros (approximately 98 trillion won).

High Representative Kallas also indicated that for rapid decision-making, participation would be voluntary rather than requiring unanimity among the 27 countries, and that non-EU countries could also participate. This is interpreted as a measure to prevent delays in discussions caused by opposition from pro-Russian Hungary and Slovakia. Previously, the EU proposed a military aid package worth 20 billion euros last month, but it was blocked due to Hungary's opposition. However, there are concerns that if pursued on a voluntary participation basis, even if an agreement is reached, actual implementation could be delayed.

Some member states reportedly show reluctance toward the method of differentiating contributions based on GNI. France would bear the second-largest burden after Germany if the original plan proceeds. According to the Kiel Institute, France's current military aid level is lower relative to its GNI compared to smaller economies such as Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

The EU holds the position that rapid military support is necessary to guarantee Ukraine's security, especially as the United States is hastening peace negotiations.

An EU senior official told reporters on the same day, "The more member states participate, the better Ukraine will be able to meet its military needs to establish a strong position in preparation for the upcoming situation."