Strasbourg, The European Commission has announced a tentative allocation of €150 billion in financial assistance to strengthen defence readiness across the European Union. The funding, part of the newly launched Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme, aims to help Member States address critical defence gaps and jointly procure essential military equipment.

SAFE was adopted by the Council in May 2025 and has already attracted interest from 19 Member States, many of which are seeking support beyond the programme’s initial budget. The initiative offers long-term, low-interest loans with a 10-year grace period, allowing countries to scale up defence investments while maintaining fiscal stability.

The programme also includes provisions to support Ukraine’s defence industry, and opens the door for participation by EFTA/EEA countries, EU candidate states, and nations with Security and Defence Partnerships with the EU.

Member States are now invited to submit national investment plans by November 2025, outlining how they intend to use the financial assistance. The Commission will assess these plans, with the first disbursements expected in early 2026.

Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, called SAFE a “historic success” and emphasized its role in deterring threats and strengthening Europe’s defence industrial base. Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen added that the programme reflects the EU’s commitment to collective security and NATO aligned priorities.

SAFE is part of the broader Readiness 2030 package, designed to ensure interoperability, reduce costs, and build a resilient European defence infrastructure.