By 30 November, nineteen EU member states submitted their national defense investment plans under the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) instrument. Together, they fully utilized the €150 billion pool of preferential loans earmarked for military procurement. The purpose of the fund is to strengthen Europe’s defense capabilities in the face of growing Russian aggression and uncertainty regarding long-term U.S. support. One day after the application window closed, Canada joined the program, becoming the first non-European country with privileged access to the EU defense market.
Poland Becomes the Largest Beneficiary of SAFE
Poland emerged as the top beneficiary, requesting €43.7 billion in loans — nearly one-third of the entire fund and more than France, Italy, and Spain combined. Romania secured the second-largest allocation with €16.7 billion, followed by France and Hungary with €16.2 billion each. The funds will finance urgent orders of ammunition, missiles, artillery systems, drones and air-defense capabilities, with a strong emphasis on joint procurement and strengthening Europe’s industrial defense base.
Most Plans Include Direct Military Aid for Ukraine
According to the European Commission, fifteen of the nineteen participating member states included direct military support for Ukraine in their plans. EU Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius stressed that support amounts to “billions, not millions” of euros — exceeding Brussels’ initial expectations. This aligns with broader European efforts to sustain Kyiv’s defense capabilities at a time of intensified diplomatic attempts to end the nearly four-year-old war.
Canada Gains Preferential Access to EU Defense Projects
Canada, which signed a Security and Defence Partnership with the EU in June 2025, announced on 1 December that negotiations to join SAFE had concluded. The agreement gives Canada’s defense industry broad access to European projects, while attracting defense-related investment to Canada through the new Canadian Defence Investment Agency. Ottawa thus becomes the first non-EU country with privileged access to SAFE financing.
SAFE as Part of the Wider “Readiness 2030” Strategy
SAFE is one of the strategic pillars of the EU’s broader “Readiness 2030” plan, which aims to mobilize over €800 billion for defense by easing EU fiscal rules and leveraging European Investment Bank loans. The initiative is designed to help EU countries meet NATO’s new, ambitious target: raising defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, including at least 3.5% for core military expenditure and up to 1.5% for critical infrastructure and cybersecurity.
Talks With the UK Collapse; Other Countries Miss the Deadline
Negotiations with the United Kingdom on joining SAFE collapsed on 28 November over financial terms, although British defense companies can still participate in projects covering up to 35% of a contract’s value under third-country rules. Turkey and South Korea also missed the 30 November deadline, as they failed to conclude negotiations in time.
The European Commission expects to evaluate all national plans by the end of the year. The first disbursements — up to 15% of the requested amounts — are scheduled to reach member states in early 2026.
