European Parliament approves plans to provide more ammunition for Ukraine

The European Parliament on Thursday approved the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) to accelerate the delivery of ammunition and missiles to Ukraine and to help member states restock their arsenals.

The European Parliament said this in a press release, Ukrinform reports.

The legislation was adopted with 505 votes to 56, with 21 abstentions. It now also needs to be endorsed by Council in order to become law.

"Today's vote marks another step forward for Europe's security and defense, and in our steadfast support of Ukraine in the face of the ongoing Russian aggression. We delivered on the most urgent aspect of the law: ensuring the provision of more ammunition for Ukraine. It is a testimony of Europe's solidarity and for our collective security," said EP negotiating team leader Cristian Busoi.

According to the text, agreed upon with Council last week, ASAP aims to accelerate the delivery of ammunition and missiles to Ukraine and to help member states restock their arsenals. By introducing targeted measures, including EUR 500 million in financing, ASAP aims to ramp up the EU's production capacity to address the current shortage of defense products, specifically artillery ammunition, missiles and their components.