EU opens a second round of 21.3 billion euros in defence loans

The money is left over from the 150-billion-euro SAFE loan programme adopted in May 2025, after some countries borrowed less than their allocations. Governments can apply until Nov 13.

Available in the second round

21.3 billion euros

Air and missile defence, drones, counter-drone systems, ammunition and missiles are the urgent priorities.

Brussels is urging member states to use part of it on joint projects with Ukraine, which faces a 70-billion-euro budget gap. It cannot force them, because the loans are the countries' own.