The European Union has approved a landmark €150 billion (nearly $170 billion) Defense Industrial Readiness Loan Instrument, known as SAFE, aimed at bolstering the bloc’s defense sector in the face of rising geopolitical threats.
The announcement was made by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, who hailed the initiative as both "important and urgent" for the security of Europe and Ukraine alike. Writing on X, Shmyhal emphasized that the agreement will grant Ukrainian defense companies access to EU supply chains and joint procurement efforts, strengthening Kyiv’s defense capabilities while contributing to Europe’s collective security.
“We are stronger together,” Shmyhal said, extending his gratitude to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Poland, and other EU partners for their ongoing support.
The SAFE loan instrument is designed to enhance industrial capacity across the EU amid growing defense demands driven by Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine and broader regional instability. While the European Commission has not yet detailed a formal rollout schedule, the fund is expected to mobilize strategic investments into defense production, innovation, and infrastructure.
By naming Ukraine a partner in this initiative, the EU further reinforces Kyiv’s trajectory toward deeper Euro-Atlantic integration, not only in diplomacy and trade but now in the strategic defense domain. The move also signals Europe’s long-term commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, as the country remains on the frontlines of a major conflict reshaping European defense posture.
SAFE represents one of the largest collective defense funding efforts in EU history and reflects a broader shift in European policy toward rearmament and industrial resilience in the face of evolving security threats.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 9th of August, covering the latest developments you need to kn...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday reaffirmed that Ukraine would not cede any of its territory, stressing that “Ukrainians will not...
Kazakhstan has started construction of its first nuclear power plant near Ulken village, with completion expected in 2035-2036....
The European Union warmly welcomes the meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, hosted by U.S. ...
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on 15 August to negotiate an end to the c...
The European Union warmly welcomes the meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump, European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a joint statement
A new trade deal between the U.S. and EU has triggered backlash in Germany, with officials warning it threatens free trade and endangers tens of thousands of jobs.
A senior EU official confirmed Tuesday that the bloc’s new methane regulation has emerged as a point of discussion in ongoing trade talks with the United States. However, the European Union remains firm in its stance, emphasizing that the regulation will not be revised.
The European Commission has said it does not view imposing network fees on major technology firms as a practical solution to the ongoing debate over funding the expansion of 5G and broadband infrastructure across the bloc.
The world’s biggest dance music festival faces an unexpected setback as a fire destroys its main stage, prompting a last-minute response from organisers determined to keep the party alive in Boom, Belgium.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will send an upgraded ‘version 3.0’ free-trade agreement to their heads of government for approval in October, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday after regional talks in Kuala Lumpur.
A resumption of Iraq’s Kurdish oil exports is not expected in the near term, sources familiar with the matter said on Friday, despite an announcement by Iraq’s federal government a day earlier stating that shipments would resume immediately.
Chinese automaker Chery has denied an industry-ministry audit that disqualified more than $53 million in state incentives for thousands of its electric and hybrid vehicles, insisting it followed official guidance and committed no fraud.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 9th of August, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday reaffirmed that Ukraine would not cede any of its territory, stressing that “Ukrainians will not give their land to occupiers”.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on 15 August to negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine. The summit, confirmed by the Kremlin, is expected to focus on a long-term peaceful resolution.
According to Bloomberg News, the United States and Russia are working toward an agreement aimed at halting the war in Ukraine by formalising Russia’s occupation of territories seized during its invasion.
A fire broke out at Cordoba’s historic mosque-cathedral on the night of 8 August but was swiftly extinguished, preventing damage to one of Spain’s most treasured architectural landmarks.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment