Ionuț Moșteanu announced important steps for the implementation of the SAFE instrument, aimed at strengthening Europe's defense industrial base, with contracts set to be signed by May 2026.

The Minister of Defense, Ionuț Moșteanu, stated that during the Government meeting, an essential step was taken for the implementation of the SAFE instrument, aimed at financing the strengthening of the European Defense Industrial Base. The next step will be the presentation of an investment list in CSAT, and contracts will be signed by the end of May 2026.

The Ministry of National Defense will be the main beneficiary of this instrument, along with the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and SRI. Moșteanu emphasized that SAFE is not a grant, but a loan with an interest rate of 3% and a repayment period of up to 40 years, with a grace period of 10 years. This program is intended to reduce pressure on the state budget and to support defense spending.