Belgium gets a glimpse of over 8 billion euros in European defense loans

Through SAFE, the European Union will borrow 150 billion euros to provide financing for member states that want to invest together in the defense industry and urgently address weaknesses in the European defense belt. Investments in ammunition, missiles, artillery, drones, air defense systems, the protection of critical infrastructure, military mobility, and cyber defense are eligible.

19 of the 27 member states have expressed their interest in recent months and indicated how much money they would like. The Commission published a preliminary allocation on Tuesday. Poland would like to receive 43 billion euros. Significant credits are also planned for Romania (16 billion euros), France and Hungary (16.2 billion euros), and Italy (14.9 billion euros). Belgium ranks sixth with 8.34 billion euros.

The Commission emphasizes that the credits are not final. Member states must now submit concrete investment plans by the end of November. The Commission will review those plans and hopes to make the first payments by early 2026. “This substantial amount will deter our enemies and strengthen European defense,” assured European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius.