The European Commission has approved the first set of national defence investment plans under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, marking a significant step forward in the European Union’s efforts to strengthen its collective security
Eight Member States, which consist of Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Portugal and Romania, have received endorsement for financial assistance that will target boosting defence capabilities.
The Commission has now formally submitted a proposal to the Council of the EU, which must give final approval before funds can be released. If endorsed, this first wave will unlock approximately €38 billion in low-cost, long-term loans designed to accelerate military readiness and modernisation across participating countries.
Strengthening Europe’s defence readiness
SAFE forms part of the EU’s broader Readiness 2030 strategy, which is in place to address long-standing capability gaps and reduce Europe’s dependence on fragmented national procurement. Over the past year, the EU has significantly expanded its defence ambitions, enabling Member States to mobilise up to €800 billion in total defence investment.
A massive part of this effort is €150 billion earmarked specifically for joint defence procurement under SAFE. By pooling demand, Member States are expected to benefit from lower costs, faster delivery and improved interoperability of military equipment, while strengthening the European defence industrial base.
The Commission’s approval follows a detailed assessment of each country’s National Defence Investment Plan, ensuring that proposed spending aligns with shared EU priorities and contributes to collective security.
Funding allocations and solidarity principles
Funding levels for each participating country were provisionally agreed in September, based on principles of solidarity, transparency and strategic need. Cyprus is set to receive approximately €1.18 billion. While Romania is provisionally allocated €16.68 billion which reflects its size and security role on the EU’s eastern flank. The remaining six countries will also receive support tailored to their defence investment plans.
Once loan agreements are signed, these funds will allow governments to invest rapidly in critical capabilities such as air defence, ammunition, mobility, cyber defence and advanced military technologies.
Supporting Ukraine
SAFE is also designed to integrate Ukraine more closely into the EU’s security ecosystem. Ukraine, along with EFTA and EEA countries, will be able to participate in joint procurement initiatives, including the possibility of purchasing directly from their defence industries.
In addition, acceding countries, candidate countries and potential candidates, as well as nations that have signed Security and Defence Partnerships with the EU, will be able to join common procurement efforts. These countries may also negotiate tailored agreements to support the involvement of their domestic defence industries, aligning industrial capacity with Europe’s security needs.
What happens next
Following the Commission’s assessment, the Council now has four weeks to adopt the necessary implementing decisions. Once approved, the Commission will proceed with finalising individual loan agreements with each Member State.
The first disbursements are expected in March 2026, allowing funded projects to move quickly from planning to execution. Additional SAFE plans from other Member States are expected to be approved in the coming weeks, expanding the programme’s reach across the Union.
EU defence policy
Adopted in May 2025, the SAFE Regulation represents a major evolution in EU defence policy, shifting from coordination and guidance toward direct financial support.
By combining joint procurement, long-term financing and industrial cooperation, SAFE aims to deliver a more resilient, interoperable and credible European defence posture in an increasingly unstable global security environment.
