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.
Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani held a phone call with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Wednesday to discuss next steps following the European Union’s recent decision to lift all economic sanctions on Syria.
In the year the UN marks 100 years of quantum mechanics, Britain mirrors its paradox: neither fully in nor out of the EU. Trade, travel, and defence bind it to the bloc, despite Brexit. As Starmer seeks closer ties, the UK faces endless negotiations between sovereignty and economic need.
European Union ambassadors have agreed on a major new defence initiative- an arms fund worth €150 billion to strengthen Europe’s military capabilities.
The European Union aims to introduce a €2 handling fee on low-value online shopping packages entering the bloc, targeting billions of cheap goods from platforms like Shein and Temu. The move seeks to cover the high costs of customs compliance and safety checks.
Ukraine will urge the EU next week to take stronger independent steps to isolate Moscow, including seizing Russian assets and imposing sanctions on some buyers of Russian oil, amid uncertainty over Washington’s support.
Singapore’s Foreign Ministry has issued a firm rebuke to foreign embassies in the city-state, stating that it “rejects attempts by foreign embassies to incite domestic reactions to international issues involving third countries.”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa remained calm during a White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, who raised disputed claims about violence against white farmers in South Africa.
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a sweeping tax and spending package championed by President Donald Trump, marking a significant legislative victory for the administration.
The Israeli military announced on Thursday that it had intercepted two missiles launched from Yemen, as Iran-aligned Houthi forces stepped up their long-range attacks amid ongoing regional tensions.
Tensions flare in the India-France Rafale deal as France refuses to share the fighter jet’s source code, limiting India’s ability to integrate indigenous weapons and reducing its combat autonomy.
France has rejected India’s request to share source codes needed to integrate indigenous weapons into Rafale fighter jets. Despite repeated appeals, French manufacturer Dassault Aviation has refused to compromise on the issue
AnewZ and Kazakhstan’s Jibek Joly/Silk Way TV channel co-hosted a special AnewZ Talks in Astana at Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU), uniting global experts and young leaders at Silk Road Media Group’s journalism school to explore the growing intersection of media and diplomacy.
The Tehran Dialogue Forum 2025, scheduled for May 18–19, will host 200 international guests, including 40 current and former European officials.
The sixth European Political Community summit opens this Friday in Tirana, Albania, bringing together 47 heads of state and EU institutions—alongside Türkiye, the UK, Norway, Switzerland and Ukraine—to forge unified strategies on European security, defense and continued support for Ukraine.
Singapore’s Foreign Ministry has issued a firm rebuke to foreign embassies in the city-state, stating that it “rejects attempts by foreign embassies to incite domestic reactions to international issues involving third countries.”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa remained calm during a White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, who raised disputed claims about violence against white farmers in South Africa.
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a sweeping tax and spending package championed by President Donald Trump, marking a significant legislative victory for the administration.
The Organization of Turkic States marked a historic milestone as Hungary hosted the May 2025 summit, deepening cooperation, expanding cultural ties, and adopting key decisions, including Uzbekistan's accession to the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation.
Singapore’s Foreign Ministry has issued a firm rebuke to foreign embassies in the city-state, stating that it “rejects attempts by foreign embassies to incite domestic reactions to international issues involving third countries.”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa remained calm during a White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, who raised disputed claims about violence against white farmers in South Africa.
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a sweeping tax and spending package championed by President Donald Trump, marking a significant legislative victory for the administration.
The Israeli military announced on Thursday that it had intercepted two missiles launched from Yemen, as Iran-aligned Houthi forces stepped up their long-range attacks amid ongoing regional tensions.
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