European Commission considers Romania's safety plans, as defense project proposals are presented for SAFE funding support
Romania has submitted a portfolio of projects to the European Union's (EU) Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, aiming to boost its defense industry and enhance military mobility. The SAFE initiative provides competitively priced, long-maturity loans up to €150 billion to EU member states, including Romania, to speed up defense readiness by funding urgent procurement and capability development projects.
The Romanian government's application for financing from the SAFE Program has been confirmed by the head of the prime minister's Chancellery, Mihai Jurca. The objective of Romania's application is to develop the national defense industry, transport infrastructure, and logistical interconnection.
The SAFE instrument is a temporary financial mechanism of the European Union, with a budget of EUR 150 billion in the form of loans. It aims to develop a modern and resilient collective defense by providing funding for projects that enhance military mobility and the defense industry. The instrument stimulates industrial cooperation, reduces fragmentation, and creates an efficient single market for defense equipment.
The funds from the SAFE instrument can be used until December 31, 2030. They will be used for the development of a modern and resilient collective defense, with a focus on acquiring military equipment (70%) to develop the national defense industry and increasing military mobility in terms of transport and logistics (30%).
The Romanian prime minister, Ilie Bolojan, stated that Romania's package will contain projects strictly related to the defense area, proposed by the Ministry of National Defense, as well as military-civilian infrastructure projects. He mentioned a communication axis in the direction of the north-east area of Moldova as part of the proposed projects. The Romanian package will include transport corridors, specifically in the north-east area of Moldova, Pascani - Iasi - Ungheni, and Suceava - Siret.
At least two projects related to highways are to be proposed in Romania's package. However, the military proposals are classified. The focus of the projects includes interoperable military systems, joint procurement of equipment compatible across member states, and development projects aligning with EU standards for defense technology and mobility enhancement. This approach is consistent with EU-wide projects seen under related programs, such as procurement of artillery shells, air defense systems, and armored vehicles, which balance national industrial interests with broader European defense integration.
The SAFE initiative encourages common procurement projects involving at least one other EU or EEA member state or partners like Ukraine, fostering cooperation and interoperability across national defense sectors. This coordinated EU-wide approach reflects a commitment to enhance security and resilience, as Romania, along with 17 other EU countries, has formally expressed interest in accessing these loans to boost its defense industry and military capabilities.
In summary, Romania's defense initiatives under SAFE focus on leveraging the EU's financial support to advance its defense industrial base and military mobility through collaborative procurement and infrastructure projects, enhancing interoperability and readiness within the EU's strategic framework.
- The objectives of Romania's application for funds from the SAFE Program include developing the national defense industry, which involves acquiring military equipment and enhancing interoperable military systems.
- The SAFE instrument, with a budget of EUR 150 billion, provides financing for projects that aim to foster industrial cooperation, reduce fragmentation, and create an efficient single market for defense equipment, including the development of the defense industry in member states like Romania.
