The European Union is advancing the implementation of the SAFE mechanism and flagship projects in the field of defense, with potential amounts of tens of billions of euros identified by member states for strengthening military capabilities by 2030.
The European Union has confirmed that the SAFE mechanism and the four flagship projects in the field of defense are progressing to the evaluation and preparation phase for implementation, based on the plans submitted by member states and the priorities established for strengthening the EU's defense capabilities.
In short
SAFE is under evaluation, with the first payments to follow the decisions of the Council.
The EU has identified four flagship projects for defense preparation by 2030.
Member states have indicated potential amounts of tens of billions of euros.
Focus on drones, anti-drones, and maritime capabilities.
During the European Commission's daily briefing, European officials presented the status of the SAFE mechanism and the flagship projects in the field of defense, emphasizing that the plans submitted by member states are under evaluation. According to the Commission, the first payments under SAFE will be possible after the evaluation is completed by the Council.
The European executive reminded that, within the roadmap adopted last year, four flagship projects were identified as essential for preparing European defense by 2030. In this context, the Commission indicated that the SAFE plans submitted by member states show significant financial potential to support these initiatives.
According to the information presented at the briefing, approximately 50 billion euros could be mobilized for anti-drone defense initiatives, while another approximately six billion euros target capabilities in the field of drones and anti-drone systems. Additionally, up to 30 billion euros could be directed towards maritime projects, including for strengthening capabilities on the eastern flank of the Union.
The Commission emphasized that its role is to collaborate with member states to transform these flagship projects into concrete initiatives capable of responding to the Union's security objectives. The visits of the Commissioner for Defense and Space to the capitals of member states are presented as part of this effort for coordination and political acceleration.
SAFE and the flagship projects are part of a broader approach by the European Union to strengthen defense capabilities within a common framework. The emphasis on major industrial projects, coordinated funding, and medium-term planning reflects the EU's transition from fragmented initiatives to a more structured architecture for defense preparation, in cooperation with member states.