Cyprus received its first payment of €177.2 million on Thursday under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence financing instrument, the European Commission announced.
The amount represents 15% of Cyprus’ total allocation of €1.2 billion under the programme.
The SAFE funding is intended to support key defence investments, improve resilience and strengthen military capabilities in line with wider European security objectives.
Strengthening defence capabilities
According to the Commission, the SAFE instrument has been designed to enable rapid and coordinated action, improve interoperability among European armed forces and strengthen the EU defence industry.
The initiative also promotes joint procurement projects and closer cross-border cooperation among member states.
The SAFE funding will help accelerate investments in strategic defence areas while contributing to broader European security priorities.
Part of wider EU defence strategy
SAFE forms part of the European Commission’s ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 plan, which aims to mobilise more than €800 billion in defence-related investments across the European Union.
The overall SAFE programme is worth €150 billion and provides long-term loans to member states, mainly to finance joint procurement of ammunition, missiles, air defence systems and land combat systems produced within the EU.
Commissioner highlights European solidarity
In a written statement, European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius said the pre-financing payment to Cyprus demonstrates Europe’s commitment to strengthening collective security and defence.
He said the support would help Cyprus invest more quickly in critical capabilities while contributing to a stronger, more resilient and interconnected European defence industry.
“SAFE is about solidarity, readiness and ensuring that member states can jointly respond to Europe’s security needs,” he noted.
More payments to follow
The Commission said the payment follows the completion of all necessary procedural steps and reflects the EU’s commitment to delivering timely support through SAFE.
Further payments are expected to be released as agreed milestones are reached and implementation of the relevant projects advances.
Also read: Cyprus issue on the agenda of the Turkish National Security Council
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