EK: The Czech Republic can obtain over two billion euros for military equipment from the SAFE tool

Strasbourg – The Czech Republic could receive over two billion euros (€2 billion) from the new European Union financial instrument SAFE, announced today by the European Commission. A total of 19 countries have applied for funding from the SAFE program, which allows loans for military equipment, with €150 billion (€3.7 trillion) reserved for them. The Commission today announced preliminary allocations designated for individual states. The largest amount was requested by Poland, which is set to receive a total of €43.7 billion (over €1 trillion).

Member states can now prepare their national investment plans describing the use of potential financial assistance, which must be submitted by the end of this November. The Commission will then assess these national plans with the aim of making the first disbursements at the beginning of 2026, the EU executive informed.

SAFE aims to strengthen the defense capabilities of the European Union and assist member states in addressing critical shortfalls, as well as to jointly procure defense products. The program will provide long-term low-cost loans to help member states acquire urgently needed military equipment. It will also be open to Ukraine in cooperation with at least one EU country, as well as to Norway, Switzerland, and countries with defense partnership agreements with the EU, including Britain. (September 9)