Strategic investments in defence: Romania accesses European Funds through SAFE Mechanism

Strategic investments in defence: Romania accesses European Funds through SAFE Mechanism

Romania will benefit from 16.68 billion Euros funding through the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) Mechanism, according to the temporary allocations announced on Tuesday, September 9th, by the European Commission for the member states that have expressed interest in this program. This is the second largest allocation established at the European Union level and represents a strategic opportunity to increase our country's defence capacity.

From the Ministry of National Defence perspective, the SAFE Program offers a funding opportunity through joint projects in areas such as the acquisition of state-of-the-art military equipment, the development of advanced technological capabilities and modernization of military infrastructure.

The funds will support the Romanian Armed Forces' main procurement programs selected from the Multiannual Procurement Program and correlated with national operational requirements and commitments undertaken within NATO and EU.

Eligible projects include: ground-based air defence systems, air surveillance radars, armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles, combat and support ships, drones, UAV systems, and ammunition of various calibers, including missiles.

The Ministry of National Defence supports the involvement of the national defence industry in the production and maintenance of these capabilities, through cooperation with international partners and technology transfer.

Participation in the SAFE Program is a vital tool for the modernization and consolidation of Romania's military capabilities. The allocated funds will enable the financing of major procurement programs, thus contributing to interoperability with allied forces and the fulfillment of commitments within NATO and the EU.

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The SAFE Mechanism is a temporary financial instrument, with a total budget of €150 billion, which aims to support European collective defence by stimulating industrial cooperation and reducing fragmentation of the defence equipment market. Romania was one of the 19 member states that expressed interest in this programme.

The Press Office