Romania, Bulgaria and Latvia have received more than \u20ac3.5 billion in the first pre-financing payments under the European Union\u2019s Security Action for Europe, or SAFE, defence instrument. The disbursements represent 15% of each country\u2019s total SAFE allocation and are intended to accelerate priority defence investment on the EU\u2019s Eastern Flank.<\/p>\n
Romania received \u20ac2.5 billion on 26 August from a total allocation of \u20ac16.7 billion. Bulgaria and Latvia followed on 28 August with \u20ac489.3 million and \u20ac524.7 million respectively, against total allocations of \u20ac3.3 billion and \u20ac3.5 billion.<\/p>\n
The European Commission said the funding would help the three countries modernise military capabilities, strengthen resilience and move priority defence projects forward. SAFE is also intended to support joint procurement, improve interoperability among European forces and strengthen the European defence industrial base through closer cross-border co-operation.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday\u2019s \u20ac2.5 billion payment to Romania under SAFE is a major milestone for European defence and a more sovereign Europe,\u201d said Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space. \u201cThis funding will strengthen Romania\u2019s defence capabilities and industrial base, while contributing to Europe\u2019s overall security. SAFE is a clear demonstration of our strong commitment to European security, and to the resilience and to defence of our Eastern Flank.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kubilius said the first payments to Bulgaria and Latvia would also allow both countries to move more quickly on defence priorities. \u201cWith these first SAFE payments, we are helping Bulgaria and Latvia accelerate key defence investments while strengthening their readiness and resilience. We are acting swiftly and decisively to support Member States on the EU\u2019s Eastern Flank. SAFE enables Member States to invest more quickly, procure more effectively through joint action, and strengthen Europe\u2019s defence industrial base.\u201d<\/p>\n
The payments were released after completion of all required procedural steps. Further disbursements will follow as agreed milestones are reached and implementation progresses.<\/p>\n
SAFE is a \u20ac150 billion financial instrument providing loans to EU Member States, with a primary focus on joint procurement of ammunition, missiles, air defence and ground combat systems produced within the bloc. It forms part of the European Commission\u2019s ReArm Europe\/Readiness 2030 plan, which aims to unlock more than \u20ac800 billion in defence investment across the European Union.<\/p>\n
The instrument is financed through EU borrowing on financial markets. The Commission said this structure allows participating Member States to access competitively priced, long-duration loans supported by the EU\u2019s credit rating.<\/p>\n