Romania receives first €2.5 billion tranche, EU Commission announces

Romania has received its first €2.5 billion payment under the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence instrument, accounting for 15% of the country’s total €16.7 billion allocation, the European Commission has announced.

It noted that the initial payment will allow Romania to speed up priority defence projects, enhance resilience and modernise its armed forces in line with broader European defence objectives, Caliber.Az reports.

European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius said the payment marked an important step for European defence and greater European sovereignty.

"Today's €2.5 billion payment to Romania under SAFE is a major milestone for European defence and a more sovereign Europe. This funding will strengthen Romania's defence capabilities and industrial base, while contributing to Europe's overall security. SAFE is a clear demonstration of our strong commitment to European security, and to the resilience and to defence of our Eastern Flank," he added.

The payment was made after Romania completed all required procedural steps. Additional funding will be released as the country reaches the agreed milestones and progresses with implementation.

SAFE is financed through EU borrowing on financial markets, allowing participating member states to access long-term loans on favourable terms. The financing benefits from the EU’s high credit rating, enabling competitive borrowing costs and attractive loan structures.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov