European Commission opens €21.3B second SAFE funding round for defence – Defensehere

European Commission opens €21.3B second SAFE funding round for defence  Defensehere

According to the European Commission, EU Member States have been invited to apply for €21.3 billion in defence loans under the second round of the Security According to the European Commission, EU Member States have been invited to apply for €21.3 billion in defence loans under the second round of the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument. The funding aims to support joint defence procurement, strengthen European military readiness and encourage cooperation with Ukraine, particularly in air defence, unmanned systems and ammunition. The European Commission is inviting Member States to participate in the second round of the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument. With an allocation of €21.3 billion, this second call will be open to all Member States.

Once the Commission receives the target amounts from Member States, the Commission will inform them about the tentative allocations within two weeks after the submission deadline. Along their needs and national defence priorities, Member States are also encouraged to use the funds from this second call to strengthen cooperation with Ukraine. This is foreseen by including common procurement with Ukraine into their investment plans. Member States should also prioritise the urgent needs of Ukrainian and Member States’ armed forces in the areas of air and missile defence systems, drones and counter-drone systems, and ammunition and missiles. The new funding opportunities available