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SAFE: National Defence Plans of 8 EU Member States Approved - Cyprus to Receive €1.18 Billion

Published January 15, 2026, 17:22
SAFE: National Defence Plans of 8 EU Member States Approved - Cyprus to Receive €1.18 Billion

The European Commission has approved the national defence plans of eight EU member states, including Cyprus, under the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) initiative. Cyprus will receive €1.18 billion to strengthen its military readiness and acquire modern defence equipment. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted that the EU has made significant progress in the field of defence in 2025, with the potential to mobilise up to €800 billion for defence, including €150 billion for joint procurement through SAFE. The first phase of SAFE provides access to approximately €38 billion for the eight member states after the signing of loan agreements. The first payments are expected in March 2026. Subsequently, the plans of the remaining member states will follow, with a total of 11 plans under evaluation. Defence Commissioner Andrus Kumpilius emphasised the urgent need to strengthen European defence and fund defence readiness. The process involves approval by the EU Council, completion of loan agreements, and the release of the first tranche, which will correspond to 15% of the total funding. The SAFE initiative is part of the Readiness 2030 package, which aims to increase investment in defence through joint procurement, while also ensuring interoperability, predictability, and cost reduction for a strong European defence industrial base. The approval of the plans represents a significant step towards strengthening the EU's defence capabilities.

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