EU: €21.3 Billion Defence Loan Call Opens, Joint Procurement With Ukraine Encouraged
The European Commission announced on October 29 that a second call under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument is now open, with €21.3 billion in loans available to all EU member states. SAFE, adopted in May 2025, offers up to €150 billion in EU-backed loans to help member states close urgent defence gaps.
The Commission said the new call prioritises air and missile defence, drones and counter-drone systems, and ammunition and missiles. Member states are encouraged to include joint procurement projects with Ukraine, which the Commission said would strengthen both European and Ukrainian defence industries. Tentative allocations will be announced within two weeks of the submission deadline.
Nineteen member states are already taking part in SAFE; 16 have signed loan agreements and about €13.5 billion has been disbursed to 11 countries. Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said SAFE would ensure Europe's factories operate at maximum capacity.
SAFE is part of the EU's Readiness 2030 agenda to raise joint defence investment and procurement across the bloc.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 照片：欧盟委员会发布防务融资工具相关记者会，欧盟委员会视听服务，CC BY 4.0 授权 / Photo: European Commission audiovisual service, CC BY 4.0
