It is a pleasure to be here. It is a rather spontaneous visit on short notice. So I really thank you for making it possible because we were not able to meet in Brussels, and I was sorry for that. So thank you very much for having made it possible to meet here in Prague. And seeing each other in this beautiful city, in this amazing castle leaves a very big impression on me, too.
First of all, I wanted of course to congratulate you personally on your election. And I want to thank once again Czechia for a very successful Council Presidency in the second half of 2022.
Concerning our meeting today, I am very much looking forward to a close cooperation on many topics, but mainly, of course, on topics related to Ukraine – we discussed it intensively. The European Union and the Member States, as you know, are strong supporters of Ukraine. So far, the overall support is worth EUR 68 billion. But it is also the daily tangible help that needs to continue.
That is why I want to expressly thank the Czech Republic and its amazing people, especially for the exemplary solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian refugees. I am aware that the Czech people welcomed and provided assistance to the highest number of Ukrainian refugees per capita. This is outstanding and amazing. I am really grateful for that.
You, President, just returned from Ukraine. You told me once again that one of their most urgent demands is ammunition. Member States have already agreed to provide further financing for supply of ammunition.
I am glad to be able to announce today that the European Commission will propose tomorrow, in our College meeting, an Act in support of ammunition production in Europe. This Act will support the ramp-up and the speeding up of the manufacturing of ammunition in Europe. It will combine leaner regulation with swifter permitting procedures. It is all about speeding up and scaling up now the production of ammunition because Ukraine needs it now. The proposal will include EU funding of EUR 500 million. This is adding up to around EUR 1 billion in total with Member States' co-financing the European Commission's funding of EUR 500 million.
This is good news for Ukraine, it is also good news for Europe's capability to defend itself. We are for sure in this together. And another thing is for sure, that Czechia and the European Union will stay united, are united and face jointly the geopolitical challenges to come.
Many thanks again for receiving me here.
