The strategy put forward by High Representative Kaja Kallas aimed at securing up to €40 billion in additional military aid for Ukraine did not garner sufficient political backing during an EU leaders' summit on Thursday, casting significant doubts on its feasibility.
The response was so lackluster that several diplomats pronounced the initiative "doomed."
The summit's outcomes focused on Ukraine, approved as a "summary" by just 26 countries Despite Hungary's objection, they merely touched upon the Kallas plan, without including any specific financial objectives or numerical details.
As stated in the text, 'The European Council remembers the efforts aimed at strengthening EU military assistance to Ukraine, particularly those led by the High Representative who coordinates enhanced backing from member states and other participating countries on a voluntary basis,'.
The conclusions fail to incorporate what Kallas referred to as the most "practical" aspect of her initiative: allocating €5 billion to purchase 2 million artillery shell rounds for Kyiv in the near future. Ammunition like these shells is less costly and simpler to obtain compared to more sophisticated weaponry.
"I believe it's crucial to achieve concrete outcomes," Kallas stated on Thursday morning upon entering the summit and addressing queries regarding her plan.
If we cannot make decisions for the entire upcoming year, then let’s focus on the immediate term and identify Ukraine’s urgent requirements concerning ammunition at this moment.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy echoed this call during his remote address to the assembled leaders. He stated, “Our urgent requirement includes funding for artillery ammunition, and we would be extremely grateful for Europe’s assistance of approximately five billion euros as swiftly as possible.”
However, neither Kallas nor Zelenskyy succeeded in persuading the leaders; the specific goals of either 2 million ammunition rounds or €5 billion do not appear. The only mention is a vague reference to "large-caliber artillery ammunition and missiles."
When questioned regarding this lack of presence, António Costa, who heads the European Council, sidestepped the inquiry by highlighting that member nations had previously committed an extra €15 billion in assistance for Ukraine. He also indicated that further pledges would likely be made over the next few weeks due to the European Commission’s defense initiative.
Costa mentioned that they are still exploring additional methods to enhance their backing for Ukraine.
We will persist steadfastly until the conclusion of this conflict. Following the war, we will remain committed to supporting Ukraine through peace assurances. Most importantly, we aim to facilitate Ukraine’s integration into the European Union.
The fiasco surrounding the Kallas plan was somewhat expected.
As Thursday’s summit approached, diplomats expressed numerous concerns and lingering doubts about her proposal, characterizing it as well-meaning yet rushed.
Significantly, Kallas suggested that a part of the military contributions should align with each nation’s economic influence, primarily measured by their gross national income (GNI), to achieve an equitable allocation of resources. However, this proposal has faced considerable opposition from larger nations such as France and Italy, which might have substantial financial obligations based on the GNI criteria.
In the meantime, various nations have queried the inclusion of individual country commitments—such as the €15 billion highlighted by Costa—and how they will factor into the collective effort. Additionally, concerns were expressed regarding which non-EU members, including the UK and Norway, might join this shared initiative.
Capital cities have likewise been urging for clarification on how the proposal incorporates the €18 billion in funds that the European Union plans to provide to Kyiv from an exceptional loan, which will be supported by the revenues generated from Russia's seized assets. (This loan is referenced in the conclusions.)
An extra query arises regarding the effectiveness of the initiative when implemented practically as a voluntary program aimed at circumventing Hungary’s veto from the outset.
Even though hope is fading, certain diplomats believe the Kallas plan could still be rescued through targeted adjustments — particularly by eliminating the GDP metric.
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