Greece has received its first €118.2 million payment under the European Union's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence instrument, marking the beginning of financial support aimed at strengthening the country's military capabilities.
The payment represents 15% of Greece's total allocation of €787.7 million under the programme. SAFE is a €150 billion EU financial instrument that provides long-term loans to member states for defence-related investments.
The funding will enable Greece to accelerate key defence projects, modernise its armed forces, and improve national preparedness while contributing to broader European security objectives. The programme also promotes joint procurement of military equipment—including ammunition, missiles, air defence systems, and ground combat platforms—manufactured within the European Union.
SAFE is part of the European Commission's wider ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 initiative, which seeks to mobilise more than €800 billion in defence investment across the bloc. The strategy aims to improve military interoperability among EU member states, strengthen the European defence industry, and encourage closer cross-border cooperation.
European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius said the first payment demonstrates the EU's commitment to enhancing collective security and supporting member states in building stronger defence capabilities.
The European Commission stated that the payment was released after all required procedural conditions were fulfilled. Additional instalments will be disbursed as Greece meets agreed implementation milestones.
The SAFE programme is financed through EU borrowing in international financial markets, allowing member states to access long-term loans on favourable terms backed by the European Union's strong credit standing. The loans will ultimately be repaid by the beneficiary countries.
.png)