The EU Foreign Affairs Council has approved a set of implementing decisions that unlock defence‑industry financing under the SAFE initiative for eight member states: Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Spain, Croatia, Portugal and Romania.
For Cyprus, the decision paves the way for more than €1.18 billion in defence‑production support through loans, backed by an initial EU contribution of over €177 million.
“Today’s decisions show that the European Union doesn’t just talk about defence — we deliver,” Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said. “Through SAFE, we are strengthening our security where it matters most.”
The move follows the European Commission’s positive assessment of national defence‑investment plans submitted by member states.
It also clears the way for the first wave of affordable, long‑term loans that will allow participating countries to acquire modern defence equipment and boost readiness.
