**Ukraine and EU Launch Joint Military Innovation Partnership**
In a major step forward for military cooperation, Ukraine and the European Union (EU) have launched a joint initiative called BraveTech EU. This groundbreaking partnership marks the first significant technological alliance between Ukraine and Europe on equal terms.
The deal involves both sides contributing 50 million euros ($58 million), with the potential for other European countries to join in the future. The aim of BraveTech EU is to foster innovation, development, and procurement of new defense technologies among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Ukraine and Europe.
**A Win-Win Situation**
According to Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s Digital Transformation Minister, the partnership will enable European countries to benefit from Ukrainian innovations. “European colleagues will receive results from the battlefield,” he said at a recent press conference. This approach highlights the collaborative spirit behind BraveTech EU, where both sides stand to gain from each other’s strengths.
Andrius Kubilius, the European Commissioner for Defense and Space, echoed Fedorov’s sentiments. He emphasized that the initiative will enhance the resilience of Europe as a whole by developing new defense systems in partnership with Ukraine. “The EU and its member states have an industrial capacity that can help Ukraine develop new defense systems,” he noted.
**How BraveTech EU Will Work**
The partnership will unfold in two phases, starting with hackathons for Ukrainian and European defense companies in autumn 2025. The first phase aims to bring together the best minds from both sides to identify and develop innovative solutions. In 2026, the program will expand to include larger grants, startup scaling support, and investments in the most promising projects.
One of the key features of BraveTech EU is its integration with European defense mechanisms. Ukraine’s BRAVE1 defense technology platform will be connected with EU instruments like the European Defense Fund (EDF) and the EU Defense Innovation Scheme (EUDIS). This alignment will facilitate the sharing of knowledge, resources, and expertise between Ukrainian and European defense industries.
**A New Era in Military Cooperation**
The BraveTech EU initiative marks a significant milestone in military cooperation between Ukraine and Europe. As the partnership continues to grow and evolve, it has the potential to revolutionize the way both sides approach innovation, development, and procurement of new defense technologies.
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