Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Today, the European Council has implemented a regulation that establishes the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument. SAFE serves as a new European Union financial tool designed to assist member states keen on investing in security industrial exhibition via joint procurement, concentrating on priority abilities.
The approval from the General Affairs Council signified the final stage in the contentious support journey for the €150 billion joint loan initiative known as the Security Action for Europe (SAFE). In April, the EU Commission activated an emergency clause to circumvent Parliament, allowing negotiations on the final SAFE text to proceed directly to the EU Council.
The SAFE programme was first proposed by the Commission in March as part of their wider initiative to enhance the European defence sector and increase manufacturing of military equipment and ammunition.
The Council has adopted the Security Action for Europe instrument (SAFE), the first pillar of the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030.
— EU Council (@EUCouncil) May 27, 2025
The instrument will provide financial assistance of up to €150 billion to strengthen Europe's security and its defence industry.
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How will SAFE strengthen EU defence capabilities
SAFE will fund essential and significant investments in the European defence technological and industrial base (EDTIB). The goal is to enhance production capacity, ensuring that defence equipment is ready when required, and to tackle existing capacity shortfalls, thereby reinforcing the European Union’s overall defence preparedness.
The European Union, through SAFE, will offer up to €150 billion to member states that request funding based on their national plans. These funds will be distributed as long-term loans, priced competitively, and repaid by the member states that benefit from them.
Who can participate in joint defence procurements?
According to the EU Council, SAFE introduces a new era of collaboration with third countries. Ukraine and EEA-EFTA nations will receive the same treatment as member nations. They will not only have the opportunity to participate in joint procurements but will also be able to engage with their industries for purchases.
SAFE will enable acceding governments, candidates, potential candidates, and nations that have established Security and Defence Partnerships with the European Union, including the UK, to participate in joint procurements.
