Brussels – The European Commission has approved defense plans for Czechia and France under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, providing a significant boost to the European Union’s security and defense capabilities. The move follows the approval of the first and second waves of defense funding through SAFE.
European Defense Funding Approved for Czechia and France
Financial assistance totaling €2.06 billion will be provided to Czechia, while France is set to receive €15.09 billion, pending the signing of loan agreements. These funding levels were provisionally established in September, prioritizing solidarity and transparency.
The Commission has submitted proposals to the Council for approval, with a four-week window for adoption. Once approved, loan agreements will be finalized, and initial payments are anticipated in April 2026. The Council has already adopted implementing decisions for 16 Member States.
The SAFE Regulation, adopted in May 2025, is a key component of the Readiness 2030 package, designed to stimulate investment in defense capabilities across EU Member States. SAFE aims to facilitate increased defense investments through joint procurement from the European defense industry, focusing on priority capabilities and promoting interoperability, predictability, and cost reduction.
Ukraine and EFTA/EEA countries will be able to participate in common procurement, with opportunities for their industries to contribute. Acceding, candidate, and potential candidate countries, as well as those with Security and Defence Partnerships with the EU, can also join procurement efforts and negotiate agreements for their industries’ participation.
“With this round of SAFE funding, we are moving from the stage of opportunities to the stage of delivery. This is about more than just investment; it is about building a hard-power reality where our industries and technologies are resilient, integrated, and standing firmly beside our partners in Ukraine.”
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy
“The approval of these national plans marks the moment our strategy becomes a reality on the ground. High demand from Member States shows how successful SAFE instrument is. It is providing the financial ‘big bang’ for the Member States, to fill in their immediate defence readiness gaps and move for more coordinated European spending. Our citizens, industries and militaries will benefit most. By opening these investments to joint procurement, we are ensuring that Europe and Ukraine will grow stronger together,” said Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius.
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