The Council has adopted today a regulation setting up the “Security Action for Europe” (SAFE) instrument. “SAFE is a new EU financial instrument that will support those member states that wish to invest in defence industrial production through common procurement, focusing on priority capabilities”, this is written in a release issued by the EU Council in Brussels. Such fund “will finance urgent and large-scale investments in the European defence technological and industrial base. The aim is to boost production capacity, making sure defence equipment is available when needed, and to address existing capability gaps, ultimately strengthening the EU’s overall defence readiness”. In addition, SAFE – as intended by the EU Council – will allow the EU “to further support Ukraine”. Polish Minister Adam Szłapka, on behalf of the Council (Poland is currently holding the six-monthly presidency), commented: “We have adopted the first large-scale defence investment programme on the EU level worth €150 billion. This is not only a success of the presidency, but of the EU as a whole. This is an unprecedented instrument which will boost our defence capabilities and support our defence industry. The more we invest in our security and defence, the better we deter those who wish us harm”. SAFE will enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, i.e. on 29 May 2025.