SAFE, a program for Europe’s defense
Romania will benefit billions of euros in investments under the SAFE program, by which the European Union wants to re-launch the defense industry.
Mihai Pelin, 10.09.2025, 14:00
The European Commission has approved the preliminary allocation of 150 billion euros in the form of financial support under the SAFE defense program, the purpose of which is to increase the defense capabilities of EU member states and promote joint weapons acquisitions. Poland will receive the largest share of the amount, 43.7 billion euros, followed by Romania, with 16.7 billion euros.
The Ministry of Defense in Bucharest speaks of a strategic opportunity for increasing defense capacity by financing projects for the acquisition of state-of-the-art military equipment and the modernization of military infrastructure. In turn, the Ministry of Finance has siad that the European Commission thus acknowledges Romania’s role in consolidating a safer Europe. Also under SAFE, Hungary and France will each receive 16.2 billion euros, Italy 14.9 billion euros, Belgium 8.3 billion euros, Lithuania 6.4 billion euros, Portugal 5.8 billion euros and Latvia 5.7 billion euros. Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Slovakia and Spain will also join the program.
According to the European Comission, SAFE will support member states with long-term, low-interest loans to help them acquire urgently needed defense equipment, such as air and missile defense systems, artillery, missiles, ammunition, drones and anti-drone systems. The scheme provides for a 10-year period for repayment and also for the possibility of signing bilateral agreements with third countries. On the other hand, SAFE will also create the possibility for the inclusion of the Ukrainian defence industry, as well as for the participation of candidate countries and EU partners in security cooperation in joint public procurement.
Member states must submit their investment plans by the end of November, based on which the European Commission will start making the first payments in early 2026. “The additional resources will contribute to deterring our enemies and strengthening European defence,” EU Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius said, adding that the European Commission will work closely with Member States to improve interoperability, develop the European defence industry, as well as strengthen collective capabilities. In turn, Commission Vice-President Henna Virkkunen said that the decision proves the EU’s commitment to defence cooperation and a more secure future. The programme is part of the EU’s comprehensive defence package, Readiness 2030, adopted in May and is a central element to the European rearmament efforts. The main objective of SAFE is to overcome faster the existing deficiencies in terms of military resources and to create conditions for the acquisition of modern military equipment. (EE)
