The Commission has submitted a proposal to the Council to approve financial assistance for both countries. Funding allocations were provisionally set in September based on principles of solidarity and transparency.
Czechia is set to receive €2.06 billion, while France is entitled to €15.09 billion following the signing of loan agreements. Officials said the funding is intended to boost strategic defence capabilities where they are most needed.
With the Commission’s assessment now complete, the Council has four weeks to adopt the implementing decisions. Once approved, loan agreements will be finalised and initial payments are expected to begin in April 2026.
The Council has already adopted implementing decisions for 16 Member States under the programme. The approvals form part of broader efforts to increase defence investment across the European Union.
The SAFE regulation, adopted on 27 May 2025, is a central element of the EU’s Readiness 2030 defence package. It provides financial mechanisms to support a significant increase in defence spending by Member States.
Under the initiative, countries are able to scale up investments through joint procurement from the European defence industry. Officials said this approach aims to improve interoperability, enhance predictability, and reduce costs.
The framework also allows participation from Ukraine and EFTA/EEA countries in joint procurement. In addition, candidate and partner countries can contribute to demand and negotiate agreements for industrial participation.
