SAFE Program: 13 EU Nations Commit €150 Billion in Military and Financial Aid to Ukraine

All €150 billion in SAFE (Security Actions for Europe) program loans for EU defense projects have been fully allocated among 19 countries, European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius announced on September 9. Thirteen of these countries plan to use the funds to support Ukraine, Radio Svoboda reported on September 9.

The SAFE program–is an EU-backed joint borrowing scheme aimed at strengthening defense capabilities and procuring equipment to prepare for potential Russian aggression.

“Most member states (13 of those that submitted applications) indicated that they plan to use SAFE loans to support Ukraine. Although the amounts have not yet been specified, we expect SAFE to become a key instrument in this matter,” Kubilius said.

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Interest in the loans was high across the bloc, not only from Eastern European states. Requests exceeded €150 billion, so allocations were slightly reduced, Radio Svododa writes.

Poland will receive €43.7 billion, Romania €16.7 billion, Hungary and France €16.2 billion each, and Italy €14.9 billion. Smaller shares go to Belgium, Lithuania, Portugal, Latvia, and others. Eight EU countries did not apply, as they can borrow on comparable terms independently.

By the end of November, the 19 countries must submit plans detailing how they will spend the funds. The European Commission will review them, with first disbursements expected in early 2026.

Investments will focus on three areas. The first covers major joint projects, including missile defense and the “Eastern Defense Shield,” with Ukraine contributing expertise in drone defense and anti-mobility engineering.

The second focuses on strategic enablers–secure communications, satellite reconnaissance, and logistics such as heavy transport aircraft and aerial refueling–to reduce reliance on the US.

The third supports mass production of tanks, artillery, and other heavy equipment.

SAFE loans come with a 10-year grace period, low interest rates, and allow contracts with non-EU countries such as Norway, the UK, or Turkey, which have equipment of interest to the EU, Radio Svoboda reported.

Previously, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 countries have confirmed their readiness to join security guarantees for Ukraine, including the deployment of military contingents and additional support to strengthen defense on land, at sea, and in the air.

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