Ukraine: EU establishes military assistance mission to further support Ukrainian armed forces

The Council agreed today to establish a Military Assistance Mission to support Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine). The aim of the mission is to contribute strengthening the military capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces to effectively conduct military operations, to enable Ukraine to defend its territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, effectively exercise its sovereignty and protect civilians.

In response to Ukraine’s request for military support, EUMAM Ukraine will provide individual, collective and specialized training for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including their own Territorial Defense Forcesand coordination and synchronization of the activities of the member states supporting the implementation of training.

Today, we are stepping up our support for Ukraine to defend itself against Russia’s illegal aggression. The EU military assistance mission will train the Ukrainian armed forces so that they can continue their brave fight. EUMAM is not just a training mission, it is a clear proof that the EU will stand by Ukraine as long as necessary.

Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

EUMAM Ukraine will work on the territory of EU member states and will have its Operational Headquarters within the EEAS in Brussels to ensure overall coordination at a strategic level. Vice Admiral Hervé BléjeanDirector of Military Planning and Conduct Capabilities (MPCC) within the EEAS, will be Mission Commander.

The mandate of the non-executive mission will initially last two yearsand the financial reference amount for common expenses for this period will be 106 700 000 EUR.

The mission will ensure coordination with the bilateral activities of the member states in support of Ukraine, as well as with other similar international partners, and will be open to participation third countries.

Background

In its conclusions of 23-24 June 2022, the European Council stated that the EU remained strongly committed to providing further military support to help Ukraine exercise its inherent right to self-defence against Russian aggression and defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty. To this end, the European Council called on the Council to work quickly to further increase military support.

In a letter to the High Representative, on September 30, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Defense of Ukraine jointly requested military support and confirmed that Ukraine’s needs in this regard include individual and collective (up to the brigade level), as well as specialized military training.

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