Brussels, (Unib Rashid) – The European Commission has invited EU Member States to participate in the second funding round of the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument, making €21.3 billion available to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities and encourage further cooperation with Ukraine.

The second call is open to all EU Member States. Following the submission deadline, the Commission will inform participating countries of their tentative funding allocations within two weeks after receiving their target amounts.

The Commission has encouraged Member States to consider including joint procurement with Ukraine in their national investment plans, alongside their own defence requirements and priorities. It has also urged countries to prioritise urgent military needs, particularly air and missile defence systems, drones and counter-drone technologies, ammunition and missiles.

The funding forms part of the broader SAFE programme, which provides up to €150 billion in long-term loans to support defence investment across Europe. The programme was adopted in May 2025 as part of the EU’s wider efforts to strengthen its defence industry and improve military readiness.

In November 2025, Member States submitted their defence industry plans to the Commission, with some requesting lower amounts than initially agreed. According to the Commission, loan agreements have been approved for all 19 Member States that chose to participate in SAFE. Agreements have been signed with 16 of those countries, while almost €13.5 billion has been disbursed to 11 Member States that requested pre-financing.

SAFE is a key component of the EU’s Readiness 2030 initiative. It aims to accelerate investment in defence capabilities, strengthen Europe’s resilience and preparedness, and reinforce the European defence industrial base through greater cooperation and joint procurement.

By opening the second funding round, the Commission is seeking to encourage further investment in Europe’s security while creating opportunities for closer defence cooperation with Ukraine.