EU Approves $170 Billion Defense Fund as Europe Moves to Take Charge of Own Security
The European Union (EU) has formally adopted a landmark $170 billion defense financing program aimed at rearming the continent, bolstering its defense industry, and reducing reliance on the United States as the war in Ukraine rages on and questions swirl about America's future engagement in Europe's security amid increasing risks in the Pacific posed by communist China.
The new instrument, known as the Security Action for Europe (SAFE), was finalized under Poland's rotating presidency of the Council of the EU and
'This is an unprecedented instrument which will boost our defence capabilities and support our defence industry,' Adam Szlapka, Polish minister for the EU, said in a statement. 'The more we invest in our security and defence, the better we deter those who wish us harm.'
The new initiative—which will enter into force on May 29—will also allow the EU to strengthen its military support for Ukraine by including the country in the program from the start. This means Ukraine's defense industry can take part in joint purchases with EU countries and other partners, helping Kyiv get much-needed weapons and build closer ties with Europe's defense sector as it continues to counter Russian aggression.
In addition to Ukraine, SAFE allows for participation from countries with existing security agreements with the EU, such as the United Kingdom. However, full participation in the program by these third countries will require additional agreements with conditions like capping non-EU content in defense contracts.
SAFE is the first part of the EU's larger ReArm Europe
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'We are in an era of rearmament, and Europe is ready to massively increase its defense spending, both to respond to the short-term urgency to act and to support Ukraine, but also to invest in the long term, to take on more responsibility for our own European security,' Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said in March when announcing the plan, adding that the time has come for Europe to 'step up.'
Together with recent bilateral treaties—such as the new Franco-Polish defense
French soldiers take part in joint military exercises with the British army near Reims, France, on April 22, 2025.
Sameer Al-Doumy/AFP/Getty Images
A soldier takes cover next to a British armoured vehicle as part of urban combat exercise during joint military maneuvers between the French and British army at the Sissonne camp, near Reims, France, on April 22, 2025.
Sameer Al-Doumy/AFP/Getty Images
Since returning to the White House in January, President Donald Trump has pushed Europe to boost its defense spending and take more responsibility for its own security after decades of depending on U.S. protection.
The urgency behind SAFE also reflects growing alarm over Russia's latest actions. Over the weekend, Moscow
Trump, who has positioned himself as a mediator in the conflict, criticized the escalation,
Some U.S. lawmakers—including Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa)—have
'Without truly strong pressure on the Russian leadership, this brutality cannot be stopped,' Zelenskyy said in a recent post on social media.
Russia maintains it's open to a cease-fire and diplomatic settlement to the long-running conflict but insists that the 'root causes' of the war must be addressed, which Ukraine sees as code for capitulation.
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