Poland\’s €45bn Defence Loan Bid Accounts for One-Third of the EU\’s Total
Potential Early Loan Applications
- Several member states may opt to request loans ahead of the formal deadline scheduled for late November.
EU Rolls Out Massive Defence Loan Programme, Poles Lead the Charge
18 Member States Submit Loan Requests
On Wednesday the Commission confirmed that Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Finland have requested access to the so‑called SAFE (Sustainability for Armed Forces Efficiency) loan scheme, with a soft deadline of 29 July. The combined ask totals €127 billion.
Poland Seeks More Than One‑Third of the Total
Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz highlighted that Poland’s submitted projects amount to roughly €45 billion. He announced on X: “These funds will fortify the core capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces and bolster our security programmes, notably the ‘Eastern Shield’ project.”
He added that the final grant will depend on the quantity of applications and the Commission’s allocation, emphasizing the investment’s pivotal role in strengthening both Poland’s defence industry and the EU‑NATO security posture.
Warsaw’s Defence Spending Surges
- 2022: 2.7% of GDP
- 2024: 4.2% — highest among all NATO allies
- Projected 4.7% for 2025
SAFE Within the ‘Readiness 2030’ Vision
The SAFE loan programme is an essential component of the EU’s Readiness 2030 plan, designed to inject hundreds of billions of euros into continental defence before 2030 ends.
With a solid credit rating, the EU intends to pull up to €150 billion from capital markets, allowing member states to finance large‑scale acquisitions collectively.
Commission’s Optimism on Uptake
Defence and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius remarked that the strong interest in SAFE reflects EU unity and ambition in security. The formal application window closes on 30 November 2025, and a spokesperson told Euronews that the figure of participating states and requested amounts is likely to grow.
Eligibility and Conditions
- European Preference – approximately two‑thirds of the weapon system’s value must originate from an EU member state, Ukraine, or a European Economic Area/European Free Trade Association country.
- Other potential participants such as the UK and Canada will need a bilateral agreement first, including a financial contribution.
- Project focus areas include ammunition, drones and anti‑drone systems, air defence, and military mobility.
Political Implications for Member States
Some governments may choose to finance only Ukraine‑related purchases to appease domestic sensitivities. Germany, for instance, has signalled its intent to join SAFE procurement but intends to use its own budget for funding.
For more information, visit the EU Commission’s official portal.
