Countries Flock to Claim EU Defense Loans, Poland Gets Lion’s Share
The Security Action for Europe program offers low-interest loans over 45 years to 19 EU countries for defense projects in munitions, drones, and cybersecurity, boosting readiness.
- The European Commission allocated €150 billion in defense loans under the SAFE program, awarding Poland the largest share of €43.7 billion on Tuesday.
- SAFE aims to enhance EU military readiness and was approved by leaders in May, with 19 member states subscribing and investment plans due by November.
- Poland, whose defense budget rose to an estimated 4.5% of GDP this year—the highest in NATO—plans to strengthen capabilities such as air defense, artillery, ammunition, and drones.
- Prime Minister Donald Tusk explained that the loans offered will feature low interest rates and be repayable over a 45-year period, while EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius highlighted that the level of participation from member states has exceeded initial expectations.
- Initial disbursements are set to begin in early 2026, with Poland's defense minister praising the funding as a major achievement that ensures ongoing support for national security and the growth of the country's defense industry.
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Poland allocated largest share of new EU defence programme, with €44bn in loans
Keep our news free from ads and paywalls by making a donation to support our work! Notes from Poland is run by a small editorial team and is published by an independent, non-profit foundation that is funded through donations from our readers. We cannot do what we do without your support. The European Commission has allocated Poland €43.7 billion to support defence spending under the EU’s new Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme. That will…
The European Commission has presented the indicative amount of loans that 19 member states will receive from the €150 billion European Instrument for Joint Procurement of Defence Capabilities. Slovenia is not among them, as it has not applied for the loan.
EU Defense Loans: Poland Leads the Charge in SAFE Initiative
The European Union's Security Action For Europe (SAFE) has allocated 150 billion euros in defense loans to 19 countries to boost defense capabilities. Poland received the largest share, followed by Romania, France, and others. The loans have a 10-year grace period and allow partnerships with non-EU nations.
The EU has distributed €150B in SAFE defense loans among 19 countries: How many are willing to invest in joint projects with Ukraine?
The European Commission allocated €150B under the new SAFE (Security Action for Europe) security assistance program to 19 EU nations. The program offers long-term, low-interest loans for joint procurement of defense equipment. Ukraine cannot receive direct loans but can participate in joint procurement with EU countries. Under the program, Ukrainian companies are considered equivalent to European defense contractors. The countries receiving the …
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