Greece Seeks EU Defence Loans
Greece will officially apply for inclusion in the EU’s new SAFE mechanism, seeking low-interest loans of at least €1.2 billion to boost its national defence and defence industry, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced Monday, CE Report quotes Athens-Macedonia
In a statement, Mitsotakis said the government continues to strengthen the country’s Armed Forces “with planning, seriousness, and strategic responsibility,” and is making full use of European support tools, including the national escape clause for defence funding.
Participation in the SAFE mechanism comes under the broader ReARM Europe programme and supports the Long-Term Defence Armaments Programme (LTDP), which is expanding from €28.8 billion to €30 billion for 2025–2036. The programme is expected to drive investment, technological development, job creation, and greater national autonomy.
Mitsotakis reaffirmed Greece’s active role in shaping EU defence policy and called for a European Investment Fund to support major strategic initiatives like a unified missile defence system.
“Investing in defence means investing in the security, stability, and future of our country—and in a geopolitically mature Europe,” he concluded.
