Original text
European Commission - Announcement "Ukraine has become a net security provider for Europe": President von der Leyen unveils new defence partnership with Kyiv Brussels, 17 July 2026 President Ursula von der Leyen travelled to Kyiv on 15 July for her eleventh wartime visit to Ukraine, where she was awarded the inaugural Order of Europe , a new Ukrainian state honour. Coming at a time of closer defence cooperation and s...
European Commission - Announcement "Ukraine has become a net security provider for Europe": President von der Leyen unveils new defence partnership with Kyiv Brussels, 17 July 2026 President Ursula von der Leyen travelled to Kyiv on 15 July for her eleventh wartime visit to Ukraine, where she was awarded the inaugural Order of Europe , a new Ukrainian state honour. Coming at a time of closer defence cooperation and steady progress on Ukraine's European path , the visit focused on taking the next steps in the European Union's relationship with Ukraine — from defence and security to Ukraine's path towards European Union accession. Meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Ukraine's Statehood Day , President von der Leyen announced a new EU-Ukraine Defence Industrial Partnership . She also launched the EU-Ukraine Drone Deal , confirmed an additional EUR 1 billion in support for drone production, and welcomed the opening of another accession negotiating cluster. She described the visit as "a special moment" and announced new initiatives "to integrate our defence industries" so that Europe and Ukraine can "produce more, and faster," while also discussing preparations for the coming winter. Ukraine's role in Europe's security was a central theme in Kyiv. President von der Leyen described the country as having become "a net security provider for Europe ," arguing that its battlefield experience and Europe's industrial capacity form the foundation of a new strategic partnership. The newly launched EU-Ukraine Defence Industrial Partnership will bring together defence companies and facilitate joint production, investment, and industrial cooperation across both industries. As she put it, "Ukraine has – in many ways – gone from being a buyer to a net security provider for Europe. And that also entails a new way of working together. And that is why I am delighted to launch, together with you, Volodymyr, a new EU-Ukraine Defence Industrial Partnership." The announcement included an additional EUR 1 billion in support of Ukraine's drone production alongside the launch of the EU-Ukraine Drone Deal . The initiative will connect Ukrainian battlefield innovation with European industrial capability, supporting the joint development and large-scale production of drones , with similar cooperation planned for missiles . “ The goal is to bring together the best of the Ukrainian and EU drone ecosystems. That is Ukrainian ingenuity, tested every day on the battlefield. And EU industrial strength, able to produce at speed and at scale.” The visit also provided an opportunity to take stock of Ukraine's accession process. Only weeks after the opening of the Fundamentals cluster, leaders welcomed the opening of Cluster 6 of the accession negotiations, which will focus on Ukraine's alignment with the European Union's external relations. President von der Leyen welcomed the development, saying: "Only a few weeks after the Fundamentals, we have opened another one. Cluster 6, on External Relations. And it is not any cluster. This one has a special meaning. It is about how we see the world. How we act in the world. How we defend our values and our interests... On external relations, Ukraine is definitely acting as a future Member State of our Union. One we are infinitely proud of." Preparations for the coming winter remained high on the agenda. President von der Leyen and President Zelenskyy discussed continued support for Ukraine's energy infrastructure following repeated Russian attacks. The discussions focused on helping Ukraine protect critical infrastructure while ensuring that households and essential services remain supplied throughout the colder months. The visit also carried a strong symbolic dimension. President Zelenskyy awarded President von der Leyen the inaugural Order of Europe , Ukraine's new distinction recognising outstanding contributions to the country's European future. Accepting the honour, President von der Leyen reflected on the Ukrainian word 'Nezlamnist' , describing it as the spirit that defines both Ukraine and Europe. "Ukraine's spirit is unique. And best described by the word 'Nezlamnist'. Unbreakable and indestructible. Stoic and unshakeable. It's the founding spirit of Europe. Because Ukraine is Europe. And Europe is Ukraine." For more information Audiovisual coverage Support to Ukraine Factsheet: EU solidarity with Ukraine Speech at the presentation of the Order of Europe by President Zelenskyy to President von der Leyen Press statement by President von der Leyen in Kyiv AC/26/1649 Related media Visit of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, to Ukraine
Speech Brief