SAFE program attracts 18 EU states with €127 billion in defence requests

Eighteen European Union member states have submitted applications for a combined total of at least €127 billion in defence funding through the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) instrument, according to an official statement released by the European Commission.

The European Commission confirmed that countries expressing interest include Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Finland.

SAFE, which is designed to enhance the EU’s collective defence capabilities, aims to mobilise up to €150 billion in investment across the bloc.

“The strong demand for SAFE, with projected defence acquisitions reaching at least €127 billion, clearly shows the unity and ambition of the European Union when it comes to security and defence,” said EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius. “We will continue to assist EU member states in building European security. SAFE represents our collective commitment to improved defence preparedness for a safer, more unified future.”

The Commission highlighted that these early expressions of interest will help guide the final assessment of needs and support timely access to capital markets. The official deadline for loan applications is set for November 30, 2025.

SAFE is part of the EU’s broader strategy to bolster defence capabilities through 2030. It offers member states access to loans to support defence-related investments, aiming to enhance collective readiness and industrial capacity.

Poland recently confirmed that it had submitted a preliminary application under SAFE. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic is seeking to acquire Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks worth 52 billion Czech koruna (approximately $2.5 billion) and intends to finance this purchase through the SAFE program.

By Tamilla Hasanova