Portugal applies for $6.73b in EU loans to strengthen defences

Portugal has applied for 5.8 billion euros ($6.73 billion) in low-cost loans under a new EU defence programme to boost its armed forces capabilities, Cabinet Minister Antonio Leitao Amaro said on Friday.

The programme, called Security Action for Europe (SAFE), is an EU initiative worth 150 billion euros, which boosts defence capabilities, closes critical gaps, and procures equipment as Europe, “faces potential threats from Russia.”