- EU defence ministers held an informal meeting on 1 September 2026 covering Ukraine, space, maritime security and Lebanon.
- Ukraine lacks interceptors for air defence; Kallas urges member states to hand over expiring interceptors.
- Maritime security concerns freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and protection of undersea infrastructure.
- Unlocking the €6.6 billion European Peace Facility could deliver new air-defence funding for Ukraine.
- Ministers discussed a European mission to support the Lebanese armed forces.
Background
EU defence ministers gathered for an informal meeting in which several key defence issues were discussed. The meeting opened with a press conference in which the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, presented the day's agenda. As the meeting was informal, it was not about formal decisions but about advancing Europe's shared defence.
Ukraine and air defence
The first and most pressing issue was Ukraine. July and August have been, according to Kallas, the deadliest months for Ukrainian civilians, and Russia is escalating in order to weaken the population.
"The main issue is air defence. They are lacking interceptors. We know that some of the countries have interceptors that will expire soon. It would be very good if those would be given to Ukraine so that they can use them to protect their people."
Beyond urging member states to hand over expiring interceptors, work is under way to bring together European interceptors jointly with Ukraine. There is also an outreach dialogue with countries outside the EU about contributing interceptors, though Kallas acknowledged that this is difficult.
Other agenda items
Beyond Ukraine, the day covered three further items:
- Space – space is recognised as a key enabler of defence with both civilian and military use, and it must be stepped up so that the EU remains a space power.
- Maritime security – focus on the Strait of Hormuz, where freedom of navigation must be respected. Diplomatic efforts had not yet produced results, and it is stressed that no tolls or fees may be introduced for routes that were previously open. The protection of critical undersea infrastructure is also on the agenda.
- Lebanon – the ministers discussed a European mission to support the Lebanese armed forces given the situation in the country.
Capability gaps and EPF funding
In the follow-up Q&A, Kallas said that the EU must close critical capability gaps more quickly so that deterrence against attacks becomes more credible. This requires, in her words, major effort from all member states.
"We are really making a push in getting the European Peace Facility unblocked. If that would happen in coming days, then many Member States have already said that all the funds that they are getting back, they will give to Ukraine."
The European Peace Facility (EPF), whose funding has been blocked for €6.6 billion, is central to the discussion on additional financing for air defence. Kallas would not state a concrete figure on what share ends up going to Ukraine versus the funds returned to member states.