Cyprus is among the first eight EU member-states that will receive funding to boost their defense and security structure, part of the EU Commission much-vaunted Security Action for Europe, or SAFE initiative.

In a relevant announcement on the Commission’s website, Brussels notes that it has “…the national defence plans of eight Member States, marking a milestone in Europe’s push to strengthen its security. The Commission submitted a proposal to the Council to approve financial assistance for Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Portugal and Romania.”

In her statement, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated: “Last year, the EU has made more progress in defence than in decades before. The White Paper and the Readiness Roadmap 2030 enabled Member States to mobilise up to 800 billion euros for defence. This includes the 150 billion euros for joint procurement – SAFE. We have now approved an initial batch of SAFE plans for Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Portugal and Romania. The others will follow shortly after. It is now urgent for the Council to approve these plans to allow fast disbursement.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides.

According to the Commission, the decision follows a rigorous assessment of the countries’ “National Defence Investment Plans” under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative. The endorsement paves the way for the first wave of low-cost, long-term loans to be released, allowing these nations to urgently scale up their military readiness and acquire needed modern defence equipment. It also integrates Ukraine into the EU security ecosystem and ensures our support is both rapid and sustainable.

The funding levels for each country were provisionally set in September, based on principles of solidarity and transparency. For example, €1.18 billion has been earmarked for Cyprus, while €16.68 billion is tentatively allocated for Romania. This group of 8 Member States are entitled to around €38 billion after the loan agreements will be signed. These funds will provide a vital boost to strategic capabilities where they are needed most.