Brussels 30.08.2024 During the first session, EU Defence Ministers will receive an update on the developments at the frontline from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. They will also review the progress made in providing military support to Ukraine. Ministers will address EUMAM Ukraine and the next steps, progress in the mobilisation of the revenues stemming from immobilised Russian assets (“windfall profits”) for the provision of military equipment to Ukraine, Member States led initiatives, and further cooperation with NATO, in light of the outcome of the Washington Summit.

Ministers will then exchange views on CSDP operational engagement and defence readiness. The discussion will focus on the situation in the Middle East, particularly the dangerous escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, and the challenges in the Red Sea and the Gulf region, including Operation ASPIDES. In light of the June European Council Conclusions on security and defence and the Strategic Agenda 2024-2029, Ministers will also discuss how the EU can help increase the overall defence readiness of Member States, including as regards financing for defence and efforts to address critical capability gaps. UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix, NATO Assistant Secretary General Angus Lapsley and EP SEDE Chair Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann will attend this session.

Over lunch, Ministers will take stock of the work done by the EU Satellite Centre during the past years, and exchange views on how the Centre can best support the EU’s work on security and defence, going forward.