Greece to Join EU’s SAFE Defence Program

Greece will officially apply to join the EU's new Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defense industry initiative on Tuesday, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced in Parliament, CE Report quotes Athens-Macedonia

He confirmed that the €1.2 billion fiscal space secured through negotiations with the Finance Ministry makes the application possible. “Otherwise, I would not be filing an application,” Dendias said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to financial discipline.

Responding to criticism, he rejected the idea of returning to past unsustainable spending and credited his predecessor for tackling previous fiscal gaps.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis earlier welcomed Greece’s inclusion, highlighting benefits for the national defense industry, job creation, and increased autonomy.

SAFE aims to support EU member states investing in defense production through joint procurement focused on priority capabilities.