Ukraine Urges EU to Use SAFE Defense Fund for Security Investments, Citing Key Role in Europe's Defense

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that Kyiv expects EU member states to use the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) defense fund to invest in Ukraine’s security.

The annoncement was made via X on July 30.

The minister welcomed the mobilization of European defense financing through the newly established SAFE mechanism, emphasizing Ukraine’s key role in joint efforts to strengthen Europe’s defense capacity.

According to Sybiha, Europe “is on track to significantly strengthen its defense industry, and Ukraine is an essential element of this effort.”

“We also expect EU member states to use SAFE funds to invest in Ukraine's defense, which is a cost-effective investment in Europe's long-term peace and security,” the minister added.

Previously, EU countries officially approved the creation of SAFE, a new mechanism enabling the bloc to mobilize up to about $170 billion in defense industrial investment.

European Council President António Costa called the move “an important step toward a stronger Europe.” He added: “It delivers on the commitments made by EU leaders in March, helping member states invest jointly in European defense and strengthening our shared security.”