EU approves defence funding for Czech republic, France under SAFE program

The Council of the European Union has approved financial assistance for the Czech Republic and France under the EU initiative (SAFE) aimed at strengthening defence capabilities.

The funding will be provided in the form of loans, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Council.

The Czech Republic may receive up to €2.06 billion, including around €309 million in advance payments, while France is set to receive up to €15.09 billion, of which approximately €2.26 billion will be disbursed upfront.

The decision follows a positive assessment by the European Commission of both countries’ national defence investment plans.

The first payments are expected in the coming months and will be directed toward the procurement of modern weaponry and enhancing military readiness.

The SAFE program is designed to encourage joint defence procurement among EU member states, reduce dependence on external suppliers, and strengthen the European Union’s strategic autonomy.

Similar funding has already been granted to Poland, Italy, Spain, and several other countries.

Officials in the Council of the EU said the initiative is a key tool for strengthening Europe’s defence capacity amid growing security threats and the need to modernise armed forces.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov