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.
Foreign ministers meeting in Istanbul on Friday warned that renewed military strikes on Iran could deepen the regional conflict, urging diplomatic ...
Georgia’s Constitutional Court has extended hearings in a case seeking to ban five opposition parties, with proceedings now set to continue u...
Pakistan and the European Union have agreed to step up counterterrorism cooperation as security concerns over Afghanistan grow and tensions between...
Saudi Aramco has ordered staff to evacuate its headquarters amid escalating Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Two people were killed in an attack on Dammam airport, while Iran's IRGC Navy claimed strikes on seven vessels and warned the U.S. of a wider response.
Russian strikes on Ukraine overnight killed at least two people and injured 15 others, including two children, Ukrainian authorities said. Meanwhile, Russia said it had intercepted the vast majority of 630 Ukrainian drones launched towards Moscow.
Russia is willing in principle to resume peace talks with Ukraine and the United States in November, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said after President Vladimir Putin met U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg.
Super typhoon Champi is set to batter Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture from Friday (23 October), bringing violent winds, torrential rain and waves up to 11 metres high, as airlines cancel flights and organisers scrap a major festival.
Israeli military bulldozers have begun demolishing buildings in the West Bank city of Hebron on Friday, 23 October, following armed clashes with Palestinians that left two Israeli soldiers dead, according to the Israeli military.
Armenian authorities have detained 10 more people in a vote-buying investigation involving the opposition Strong Armenia party, just two days before local elections in the northern town of Stepanavan.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met India’s Minister of External Affairs in Baku for talks on strengthening bilateral relations, with a focus on trade, investment, energy and technology.
Israeli military bulldozers have begun demolishing buildings in the West Bank city of Hebron on Friday, 23 October, following armed clashes with Palestinians that left two Israeli soldiers dead, according to the Israeli military.
Greece’s parliament has passed a bill banning under-15s from using social media from 1 January 2027, as the country steps up efforts to protect children online. The new law will require platforms to enforce age restrictions.
France's Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said on Friday that 70,000 security forces would be mobilised throughout the country to keep order on Saturday, adding there have been calls for looting and violence from the ultra-left.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment