On 25 March, SEDE Members will exchange views with Chris Peeters, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, on the EIB's Strategic European Security Initiative, aimed at supporting, via financing of up to 6 billion, dual-use projects seeking to develop security and defence systems in Europe in areas such as cybersecurity, emerging and disruptive technologies, space technologies or artificial intelligence. At the same time, the eligibility criteria for financing have not been modified, excluding investments in the armament sector and all purely military investments. In the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the debate will focus on possibilities for the EIB to support access to financing for the European defence industry, drawing on priorities included in the Strategic Compass.
On 17 March, the members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs jointly with the Subcommittee on Security and Defence held a debate with Oleksii Reznikov, Minister of Defence of Ukraine. Against the backdrop of Russia's unprovoked war against Ukraine, members discussed with the Ukrainian Minister the military situation on the ground and the current needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
They reaffirmed their unwavering support to Ukraine and asked about military implications of the occupation of nuclear plants by the Russians. Members also inquired the Minister about the alleged usage of banned phosphorus bombs and cluster ammunition by Russians as well as the apparent mobilisation of Chechen irregular troops and on the recruitment of Syrian mercenary fighters.