Belgium in line for €8.3bn under EU defence loan scheme

Belgium is set to receive 8.34 billion euros in cheap loans from the European Commission to boost its defence sector, according to provisional allocations published on Tuesday.

The funding comes from the EU’s new Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme, a joint borrowing scheme worth 150 billion euros designed to strengthen Europe’s defence industry, plug critical gaps and counter threats, particularly from Russia and Belarus.

Nineteen of the EU’s 27 member states applied for support. Poland will receive the largest share, at 43.7 billion euros, followed by Romania (€16.7bn), France and Hungary (€16.2bn each), and Italy (€14.9bn). Belgium ranks sixth in the allocation list.

Eligible projects include munitions, missiles, artillery, drones, air defence, cyber security, military mobility and the protection of critical infrastructure. The scheme is also open to Ukraine and other defence partners.

Member states must submit detailed investment plans by the end of November. The Commission aims to approve them and make first disbursements in early 2026.

^{Belgian soldiers © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS}