The production capacity of EU defense companies will soon allow the production of 1 million artillery ammunition per year, said Deputy Head of the European Commission Maros Šefčović during the plenary session of the European Parliament, Ednews informs referring to TASS.

“In March 2023, EU countries agreed on an approach to providing Ukraine with ammunition. Since then, the EU has made progress in implementing the strategy of delivering 1 million shells to Ukraine. The European Commission is working to increase the EU’s production capabilities, European industry will soon be able to produce 1 million artillery ammunition every year, as well as other types of surface-to-surface weapons,” Šefčović noted.

He clarified that, as part of supporting the production of shells and missiles, EU countries agreed to allocate 500 million euros to support investment projects in this area. The total investment should be 1.4 billion euros. “Our role and duty is not only to continue, but also to increase support for Ukraine. The European Union and its members are now working to build capacity to provide Ukraine with the necessary support, as well as fulfill its security obligations,” he said, adding that Ukraine is the “top priority” for the EU.

In March 2023, EU countries approved a plan to transfer 1 million shells to Kyiv in the next 12 months.