EU Commission invites member states to use $23.7B in defense funds for joint procurement, Ukraine support

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - The European Commission on Thursday invited EU member states to apply for €21.3 billion ($23.7 billion) in funding under the second round of the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument to strengthen defense capabilities and support Ukraine.

The second call is open to all member states, with the commission set to communicate tentative allocations within two weeks of receiving national target amounts after the submission deadline, according to a statement.

The commission "encouraged" member states to use the funding to deepen defense cooperation with Ukraine, including through joint procurement projects incorporated into their national investment plans.

It also urged countries to prioritize urgent military needs, particularly air and missile defense systems, drones, and counter-drone systems, as well as ammunition and missiles.

The new funding forms part of the €150 billion SAFE loan instrument, adopted in May 2025 to boost Europe's defense industry and military readiness through long-term financing.

The EU has so far approved loan agreements for all 19 member states that opted to participate in SAFE, while agreements have been signed with 16 countries.

The commission has disbursed nearly €13.5 billion to 11 member states that had requested pre-financing.