EU SAFE program redistributes 20 billion euros in defense funds

Approximately 20 billion euros from the European SAFE program are expected to become available for redistribution after several member states reduced their initial funding requests. The SAFE instrument is designed to support European defense industry investments and strengthen military production capacity within the EU.

Significant portions of the unallocated funds stem from Italy and Hungary. Italy has reduced its initial request of over 14 billion euros to approximately 8 billion euros, leaving 6 billion euros available. Hungary has significantly lowered its request from 16 billion euros to roughly 5.4 billion euros, freeing up between 10 and 11 billion euros.

The European Commission intends to launch a new call for applications later this year to redistribute these funds. Romania, which already holds a total allocation of approximately 16.68 billion euros—the second highest after Poland—may seek additional financing depending on its national priorities and proposed defense projects. To date, Romania has received 2.5 billion euros, representing the first 15 percent of its total allocation.