PARIS — The executive arm of the European Union approved €300 million (US$317 million) in funding for five joint defense-procurement projects by member states, the first time the bloc uses its budget to finance common defense buying.

The European Union has approved funding for joint defence procurement by its member states for the first time in its history. This initiative envisages plans to purchase missiles and ammunition, with part of the supply intended for Ukraine.

For the first time in its history, the European Commission has approved funding for the joint purchase of weapons by EU member states, including missiles and ammunition. Some of the money will be used to help Ukraine,