European Commission urges EU states to seek SAFE defence loans to strengthen forces and aid Ukraine
The European Commission has invited member states to apply for loans from a €21.3 billion pot under the SAFE defence programme, with a focus on their own armies and Ukraine.
Brussels, Belgium. On Thursday, the European Commission called on EU member states to request loans from a €21.3 billion ($23.74 billion) fund under the European Union’s SAFE defence financing programme. The money is intended to strengthen national forces and to support Ukraine.
Joint procurement with Ukraine
The Commission encouraged governments to set up joint procurement projects with Ukraine, drawing on money from the second round of SAFE.
Priority areas
According to the Commission, member states should give precedence to the pressing requirements of both Ukrainian and their own armed forces. The priority categories it named are air and missile defence systems, drones and counter-drone systems, and ammunition and missiles.
About the instrument
The Security Action for Europe instrument is a joint borrowing scheme supported by the EU budget. It is designed to raise the defence capabilities of the bloc and to help member states reach the new, more ambitious spending targets set by NATO.
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