On July 30, 2025, the European Union’s executive branch announced a significant step toward bolstering the continent’s defense capabilities. Eighteen EU countries have applied for billions of euros from a newly established defense fund known as the Security Action for Europe (SAFE). This ambitious initiative aims to help Europe provide for its own security in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape. Notably, Poland is seeking more than a third of the fund’s resources, highlighting its strategic priorities amid regional tensions.
The SAFE fund represents a massive 150-billion-euro ($173 billion) program of cheap loans designed to enable EU member states, Ukraine, and other countries with an EU security agreement—such as Britain—to collectively purchase military equipment. The fund’s creation follows a shift in the United States’ stance, particularly after the Trump administration suggested that Europe should no longer be considered a priority for U.S. security guarantees. This pivot has spurred the EU to take greater responsibility for its own defense.
According to the European Commission, the fund targets critical military hardware, including air and missile defense systems, artillery, ammunition, drones, and so-called “strategic enablers” like air-to-air refueling capabilities. These assets are vital for modern defense strategies, especially as the continent faces evolving threats. The Commission confirmed that Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain have all applied for funding so far. Collectively, these countries have requested at least 127 billion euros ($147 billion), underscoring the scale of Europe’s defense ambitions.
Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz provided further insight into Poland’s defense plans, stating on July 29 that his government has identified projects worth around 45 billion euros ($52 billion). However, he cautioned that the final amount Poland receives will depend on how the European Commission allocates the funds. Poland’s large request reflects its strategic concerns, especially given its proximity to Russia and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
One of the fund’s key stipulations encourages countries to purchase military equipment primarily from European suppliers. This approach aims to strengthen the EU’s defense industrial base, reduce reliance on external actors, and foster greater cooperation among member states. In some cases, the EU will assist in reducing costs and accelerating procurement processes, which could be a game-changer for countries looking to modernize their armed forces swiftly.
Earlier in July 2025, 15 EU countries were granted permission to invoke a “national escape clause,” allowing them to increase defense spending without breaching the bloc’s strict debt rules. This financial leniency, combined with the SAFE fund, represents a coordinated effort to enhance Europe’s military readiness. The goal is clear: prepare the continent to defend itself effectively against potential attacks by the end of the decade.
The urgency behind these measures is palpable. U.S. allies in Europe are increasingly convinced that Russian President Vladimir Putin might target one of them if Russia prevails in its war against Ukraine. This looming threat has galvanized EU nations to rethink their security strategies and invest heavily in defense capabilities.
However, even EU governments acknowledge that the objectives set by the SAFE fund and the associated budget flexibility are ambitious. Building a robust, interoperable defense infrastructure across diverse nations with varying military capacities and priorities is no small feat. Yet, the political will to enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy appears stronger than ever.
This push toward greater self-reliance marks a significant shift in European defense policy. For decades, many EU countries have depended heavily on NATO and, by extension, the United States for their security. The SAFE fund symbolizes a new chapter, one where Europe seeks to shoulder more of the burden itself.
Moreover, the inclusion of Ukraine and countries like Britain in the fund’s scope highlights the EU’s broader security vision. It recognizes that European security is interconnected and that cooperation beyond the Union’s borders is essential to counter shared threats.
As the SAFE fund moves from announcement to implementation, all eyes will be on how effectively the European Commission manages the allocation of resources and whether member states can coordinate their procurement efforts. Success will depend not only on funding but also on political cohesion and strategic alignment among participating countries.
In the face of geopolitical uncertainty and shifting alliances, Europe’s determination to invest billions into its defense infrastructure sends a powerful message. It underscores a collective recognition that the continent must be prepared to defend its values, territories, and citizens independently if necessary.
While the road ahead is challenging, the establishment of the SAFE fund and the relaxation of fiscal constraints for defense spending mark a historic moment in EU security policy. Whether these efforts will fully meet the ambitious goal of a self-sufficient European defense by the decade’s end remains to be seen, but the commitment is unmistakable.
