Against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the European Union is taking significant steps to strengthen its support for the Ukrainian armed forces. At a meeting in Brussels on 28 September, EU defence ministers decided to extend the EUMAM Ukraine training mission by two years. This was announced by Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs.
Significant attention will now be paid to establishing a coordination centre in Kyiv, which will focus on analysing experience gained on the battlefield and strengthening military training. This step underlines the EU’s commitment not only to training Ukrainian military personnel but also to developing their skills in the context of real combat conditions.
Financial support for the modernisation of training centres in Ukraine has also been bolstered. Dylan Yeşilgez-Zegerius, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the Netherlands, announced the allocation of 10 million euros for these purposes. This contribution, combined with support from Germany, Ireland, Denmark and Luxembourg, will enable a significant improvement in the infrastructure and training facilities for the military.
European leaders have long been discussing the possibility of conducting training directly on Ukrainian territory. There are already three training centres in the country, but they are not operating to their full potential due to inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of qualified instructors. However, the relocation of the entire mission to Ukraine remains uncertain for the time being, as this would require a sustainable truce or ceasefire.
Since the mission began in 2022, around 97,000 Ukrainian military personnel have undergone training as part of EUMAM, with 24 EU Member States taking part in the process. The extension of the mission and efforts to modernise training centres in Ukraine are important steps towards strengthening the country’s defence capabilities.