Greece will receive aid worth €787 million from the European Commission, following approval of the provisional granting of financial assistance worth €150 billion through the SAFE program to strengthen defense readiness across all European Union member states. Applications for the potential financial assistance are expected to be submitted by the end of November 2025.
It should be noted that the “Security and Defence Action for Europe” (SAFE) program was created to strengthen member states in addressing critical gaps as well as joint procurement of defense products. The program had attracted the attention of many countries after its approval by the Council in May 2025, with 19 member states declaring their intention to participate, requesting additional support beyond the available budget.
What the “SAFE” program includes
It is emphasized that member states participating in the SAFE program will receive long-term, low-cost loans to enable them to procure the necessary defense equipment required immediately. At the same time, SAFE will allow the EU to further support Ukraine by connecting its defense industry to the mechanism from the outset.
The program includes a ten-year grace period for loan repayment, competitive interest rates, and options for bilateral agreements with third countries to expand eligibility. European Union countries can now prepare their national investment plans, which will describe the use of potential financial assistance and which will be submitted by the end of November 2025.
Subsequently, the Commission will evaluate these national plans, with the aim of making the first disbursements in early 2026. The SAFE regulation was issued on May 27, 2025, within the framework of “readiness 2030,” an ambitious defense package that provides financial levers to EU member states to promote increased investment in defense capabilities.
SAFE will enable member states to immediately and massively increase their defense investments through joint procurement from the European defense industry, focusing on priority capabilities. This will help ensure interoperability, predictability, and cost reduction for a strong European industrial base in the defense sector.
Which countries outside the Union can participate
It is emphasized that Ukraine and countries of the European Free Trade Association / European Economic Area will be able to participate in joint procurement, while being able to purchase from their industries. SAFE will also allow acceding countries, candidate countries, potential candidate countries, and countries that have signed security and defense partnerships with the EU to participate in joint procurement and contribute to overall demand. They can also negotiate specific, mutually beneficial agreements regarding the participation of their respective industries in these public contracts.
