European Commission approves 150 billion euros SAFE defense loans
European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius (photo: Getty Images)
Under the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) mechanism, the European Commission has approved specific loan amounts for defense production to be allocated to 19 EU member states that submitted applications, European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius announced.
"Today the College has agreed on tentative allocation of SAFE defense loans of €150 billion for 19 Member States. A European success that will help EU MSs bolster defense readiness and incentivise joint procurement in a Big Bang way. We are stepping into a delivery phase!" Kubilius wrote.
On the European Commission's website, information has been published regarding the preliminary distribution of SAFE funds for each member state that submitted an application:
- Belgium – 8,340,027,698 euros;
- Bulgaria – 3,261,700,000 euros;
- Croatia – 1,700,000,000 euros;
- Cyprus – 1,181,503,924 euros;
- Czechia – 2,060,000,000 euros;
- Denmark – 46,796,822 euros;
- Estonia – 2,660,932,171 euros;
- Finland – 1,000,000,000 euros;
- France – 16,216,720,524 euros;
- Greece – 787,669,283 euros;
- Hungary – 16,216,720,524 euros;
- Italy – 14,900,000,000 euros;
- Latvia – 5,680,431,322 euros;
- Lithuania – 6,375,487,840 euros;
- Poland – 43,734,100,805 euros;
- Portugal – 5,841,179,332 euros;
- Romania – 16,680,055,394 euros;
- Slovakia – 2,316,674,361 euros;
- Spain – 1,000,000,000 euros.
According to the European Commission, SAFE marks a new chapter in EU cooperation with trusted third countries.
From the very beginning, Ukraine and EEA–EFTA countries will participate in the program on equal terms with EU member states. This includes the right to joint procurement and procurement from their own defense industries.
It is noted that although only member states can receive SAFE loans, the following countries may participate in joint procurement:
- Countries acceding to the EU, candidate countries and potential candidates;
- Countries that have signed a Security and Defense Partnership with the EU, such as Albania, Canada, Japan, Moldova, North Macedonia, Norway, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.
Additional bilateral or multilateral agreements may be concluded to expand participation and eligibility.
SAFE mechanism
The SAFE (Security Action for Europe) mechanism is a new financial initiative of the European Union, adopted on May 27, 2025, aimed at strengthening the defense industry and increasing the EU's readiness to protect its interests.
Within SAFE, up to 150 billion euros in long-term loans are to be allocated for EU member states, Ukraine, and other partners interested in joint defense projects.
SAFE also provides for the possibility of ordering weapons for EU countries from Ukrainian enterprises.
Recently, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Croatia would provide new assistance to Ukrainian defenders. This will take place within the framework of the SAFE mechanism.
