Following the approval of the first wave of defence funding, the European Commission has approved a second group of national defence plans under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative.
This represents a further step, the Commission said in a statement today, towards strengthening the security of the European Union. In this context, the Commission announced that it has submitted a proposal to the Council to provide financial support to Estonia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Finland.
The Commission emphasised that the decision was taken after a thorough assessment of the “National Defence Investment Plans” of the respective countries under the SAFE initiative.
Strengthening strategic capabilities
The move paves the way for the disbursement of the first wave of low-interest, long-term loans, enabling member states to immediately enhance their military readiness and proceed with the acquisition of modern defence equipment. At the same time, the framework supports Ukraine’s integration into the European security ecosystem, ensuring that European support remains flexible and sustainable, the Commission noted.
According to the statement, funding levels for each country were set at a preliminary stage in September, based on principles of solidarity and transparency. The eight member states are expected to receive a total of around €74 billion following the signing of the relevant loan agreements. The Commission notes that these funds are expected to strengthen critical strategic capabilities, particularly in areas of increased need.
Once the Commission completes its assessment, the Council has a four-week deadline to approve the relevant implementing decisions. Following approval, the Commission will finalise the loan agreements, with the first disbursements expected in March 2026. Meanwhile, the Commission continues to evaluate the plans of the remaining member states.