EU finalizes $176-billion defence loans, with Poland taking largest share

Published on September 10, 2025

The European Union’s €150 billion ($176 billion) Security Action For Europe (SAFE) loan scheme, designed to strengthen defence capabilities against potential threats from Russia or Belarus, has been fully taken up by 19 member states, with Poland receiving the largest share at €43.7 billion. Romania, Hungary, France, Italy, and several other countries will also benefit, while eight EU states opted out as they could secure loans at comparable rates elsewhere. The scheme, backed by the EU budget, offers low interest rates, a 10-year repayment grace period, and the possibility of cooperation with non-EU defence partners such as Norway, the UK, or Turkey. Participating countries must submit investment plans by November, with funds expected to be disbursed starting in early 2026.

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