EU’s SAFE Mechanism Doubles Ukrainian Arms Purchases, Enhances Defense Cooperation

EU member states can purchase twice as many modern weapons from Ukraine for the same amount, thanks to the SAFE mechanism. Ukraine also has the opportunity to participate in joint defence procurement. This information was voiced in an interview by the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius.

“Ukrainians produce very good weapons at a lower price. So these weapons will be used also for the Ukrainian army. I won’t go into detail about which exact weapons, because that will be coordinated between the member states and Ukraine.”

In the context of this initiative, Ukraine has a special status within SAFE, and in the near future EU member states are to agree on how to respond to Ukraine’s needs.

What SAFE Is and How It Works

In March 2025 the European Commission proposed establishing the SAFE mechanism. The program provides for joint borrowings and loans for EU member states, as well as partners, including Ukraine, to implement projects aimed at strengthening defence capabilities and developing the European defence-industrial base.

At the end of April it became known that the European Commission would invest €910 million under the European Defence Fund, into which Ukrainian defence industries could be involved for the first time. At the end of May the EU approved the creation of the fund. SAFE (Support for Ammunition and Armaments for Europe) is a new EU financial instrument with a size of €150 billion. Its aim is to stimulate joint production of defence products within the EU, including munitions, drones, and air defence systems. Loans will be provided on long-term and favourable terms. Production must be based on at least 65% components originating from the EU, Ukraine or the EEA/EFTA countries. Also provided is limited participation of third countries under relevant agreements, if this promotes the EU’s defence capability and supports Ukraine.