The decision follows a rigorous assessment of the Member States’ National Defence Investment Plans and opens the way for a first release of low-cost, long-term loans to support urgent military readiness and the acquisition of modern defence equipment. The framework also strengthens the integration of Ukraine into the EU’s security ecosystem, aiming to keep European defence support agile and sustainable.
Funding levels were provisionally set in September on the basis of solidarity and transparency, with the eight countries entitled to around €74 billion once loan agreements are signed. The Council has four weeks to adopt the implementing decisions, after which the Commission will finalise the agreements, with first payments expected in March 2026, while assessments continue for the remaining Member States.
