Ukraine: EU opens Defence Innovation Office in Kyiv

The EU Defence Innovation Office has started its activities in Kyiv. Hosted by the European Union Delegation to Ukraine, the Office, which opened earlier this month, will promote cross-border cooperation between the Ukrainian Defence Technological and Industrial Base (DTIB) and the European DTIB. It will act as a focal point for Ukrainian partners, as well as a coordination and information hub.

The opening of the Office brings Ukraine and the EU a step closer in the implementation of the European Defence Industrial Strategy, adopted in March 2024, says a press release by the EU Delegation to Ukraine. The Strategy acknowledges the crucial role of Ukraine as a partner to the EU and sets the objective to leverage this partnership to support EU defence readiness.

It adds that the Office will play “a crucial role” in identifying Ukrainian needs and capacities on defence innovation, and facilitating joint initiatives and cooperation between innovative and industrial stakeholders of the EU and Ukraine, bringing together EU start-ups and innovators and Ukraine’s industry and armed forces.

According to the Delegation, a strong Ukrainian Defence Technological and Industrial Base is vital for Ukraine’s long-term security as well as its reconstruction. It added that the reinforcement of Ukraine’s defence capacity would contribute to Ukraine’s integration into the Union defence equipment market.

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Press release