On August 28, Bulgaria and Latvia received the first payments under the "Security Action for Europe" (SAFE) instrument. Bulgaria receives 489.3 million euros, and Latvia — 524.7 million euros. These payments represent 15% of the total allocated funds for both countries — 3.3 billion euros for Bulgaria and 3.5 billion euros for Latvia, respectively.
SAFE is a financial instrument totaling 150 billion euros that provides loans to Member States. It primarily finances joint procurement of ammunition, missiles, air defense systems, and ground combat systems produced in the EU. SAFE is part of the European Commission's ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 plan, which aims to mobilize over 800 billion euros in defense investments across the entire European Union.
The pre-financing will help Bulgaria accelerate priority defense investments, strengthen its resilience, and modernize its military capabilities in line with common European objectives. SAFE was created to enable rapid and coordinated action, improve the interoperability of European armed forces, and strengthen the European defense industry, including through joint procurement and closer cross-border cooperation.
Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius stated: "With these first payments under SAFE, we are helping Bulgaria and Latvia accelerate key defense investments while strengthening their readiness and resilience. We are acting swiftly and decisively to support Member States on the EU's eastern flank. SAFE enables them to invest faster, organize procurement more effectively through joint actions, and strengthen the European defense industrial base."
This payment was made following the completion of all necessary procedural steps and reflects the EU's commitment to providing timely and practical support through SAFE. Subsequent payments will be made upon the fulfillment of agreed milestones and implementation progress.