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.
European foreign ministers agreed to increase pressure on Russia by imposing new sanctions targeting its energy and banking sectors amid ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
As G7 leaders prepare to meet, most member states are ready to cut the Russian oil price cap to $45 even without U.S. backing.
The European Union and Britain reached a landmark agreement Wednesday to ease border crossings in Gibraltar, ending years of uncertainty over the territory’s post-Brexit status.
The European Union and India reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration in third countries today, marking the start of a new phase in development cooperation.
Germany has welcomed the rare-earth trade truce between China and the U.S., calling it a positive step that could inspire similar progress in EU-U.S. talks.
Iran launched a fresh wave of missile attacks on Israel early Monday, injuring at least 25 people and triggering nationwide alerts and defence responses.
World leaders are gathering in Calgary for the G7 summit, where the escalating Israel-Iran conflict is set to dominate discussions.
U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered immigration officials to expand deportation operations in major cities, prompting nationwide protests and clashes.
Thousands rallied in Athens to call for the opening of the Rafah border crossing and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to support Greenland, saying the Arctic island is not for sale and warning of growing "predatory ambition" toward the region.
Pakistan will begin its first freight train service to Russia from Lahore on June 22. The route is part of the INSTC and aims to connect Pakistan's rail network with Central Asia, establishing a new trade corridor via Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
The Israeli military has issued an evacuation advisory for Iranian civilians living near weapons production sites and associated infrastructure within Iran. The message was shared on the social media platform X in both Arabic and Farsi by an official military spokesperson.
An Air India flight with 242 passengers on board crashed in Meghaninagar, close to Ahmedabad airport in Gujarat, on Thursday afternoon.
Israel’s strike on a Tehran housing complex killed around 60 people, including 20 children, according to Iranian state media. Though aimed at Iran’s nuclear programme, the scale and messaging suggest a deeper goal: regime change.
World leaders are gathering in Calgary for the G7 summit, where the escalating Israel-Iran conflict is set to dominate discussions.
U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered immigration officials to expand deportation operations in major cities, prompting nationwide protests and clashes.
Thousands rallied in Athens to call for the opening of the Rafah border crossing and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to support Greenland, saying the Arctic island is not for sale and warning of growing "predatory ambition" toward the region.
George Russell claimed victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, securing Mercedes’ first win of the season in the 10th round of the Formula 1 World Championship.
Iran launched a fresh wave of missile attacks on Israel early Monday, injuring at least 25 people and triggering nationwide alerts and defence responses.
World leaders are gathering in Calgary for the G7 summit, where the escalating Israel-Iran conflict is set to dominate discussions.
U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered immigration officials to expand deportation operations in major cities, prompting nationwide protests and clashes.
Thousands rallied in Athens to call for the opening of the Rafah border crossing and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to support Greenland, saying the Arctic island is not for sale and warning of growing "predatory ambition" toward the region.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment