Comprising representatives nominated by national authorities, the Special Group will provide expert guidance and strategic coordination. These Special Group Representatives (SGRs) are tasked with ensuring that the goals of SAFE are effectively delivered and its impact maximised throughout the European Union.
“The establishment of the SAFE Special Group marks a key milestone in advancing collective security cooperation within the Union,” the Commission stated. “The Secretariat looks forward to working closely with the Special Group to ensure successful implementation of SAFE.”
The group will monitor and share progress made by Member States in implementing SAFE. It will also address any questions from national authorities, particularly in relation to the Commission’s new role in issuing loans for defence products and other defence-related items.
The Commission will provide procedural support to the group, offering updates, explaining necessary templates and documentation, and coordinating the loan amount and agreement process. It will also supply clarifications and updates to assist Member States in fulfilling their obligations.
Looking ahead, the Special Group will adopt a flexible structure to allow for adaptation and scalability over time. The first SAFE Special Group meeting is scheduled for September 2025, with at least two meetings planned each year.
