[InTime News]
Greece joined 18 other European Union member-states in submitting national plans Sunday for the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) program, which offers low-interest loans to strengthen European defense capabilities.
The submissions completed the program’s first milestone. Canada secured full participation after successfully concluding negotiations with the European Commission Monday, becoming the only non-EU country with complete access to the mechanism. Britain, Turkey and South Korea remained excluded.
Turkey’s potential participation faces significant obstacles. Greece and Cyprus would veto Turkish involvement, with France also likely to object, the Commission acknowledged.
A Commission spokesperson noted that while third countries can technically participate up to 35% in member-state projects, “participation of third countries up to 35% can technically and legally be limited if we consider it necessary” to protect EU interests. Britain rejected the program due to high EU financial demands.
Defense Minister Nikos Dendias told EU defense ministers meeting in Brussels that Greece “has much to offer” in discussions about EU defense readiness through 2030.
“With the ‘Agenda of 2030’ we can give the EU our own perspective and understanding, a holistic approach and holistic protection,” Dendias said.
Fifteen of the 19 participating states included Ukraine in their national plans, with investments worth billions, the Commission reported without identifying the countries.
The Commission will evaluate submitted plans in coming weeks, aiming for initial disbursements of up to 15% of requested loans by year-end.