The European Commission approved Romania’s application for financing through the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) instrument, which allows the country to access 16.68 billion euros, the second largest amount allocated within the program.
Romania obtained the approval of the European Commission for financing through the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) instrument, paving the way for a loan of 16.68 billion euros, which represents the second largest allocation among the participating member states.
This decision, formalized on January 15, 2026, comes in the context of the implementation of the SAFE mechanism, a temporary financial instrument of the European Union created to support investments in defense and security capabilities, according to an official government statement.
In the next week, the projects included in Romania’s application will be publicly communicated, providing details on how the funding will be used to strengthen military infrastructure and equipment, as well as in other security initiatives.
Romania submitted the application in parallel with other member states, including Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Spain, Croatia, Cyprus and Portugal, all of which were simultaneously approved by the European Commission on Thursday, January 15. During the process, the collaboration between the team dedicated to SAFE and the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, which ensured the organization of the procedures and the proper management of the necessary documentation, was highlighted in the quoted document.
When the first money could come
After the approval of the European Commission, the Council of the European Union will adopt the implementing decisions and the Commission will finalize the loan agreements.
The first installments of the allocated amount are estimated to be transferred starting from March 2026, which provides Romania with the necessary resources to start the planned projects.
According to the same source, Romania must capitalize on this opportunity by 2030, by completing the projects and acquisitions included in the program, thus strengthening the response capacity and national security.
