Lithuania Gets €6.4 Billion to Boost Its Defence Industry

Council Implementing Decision – 26 January 2026

• The European Council has decided to give Lithuania financial help under Regulation (EU) 2025/1106, which creates the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme to strengthen the EU defence industry.

• Background

• The Commission asked all Member States to show interest in the SAFE programme. By 29 August 2025, 19 states had responded.

• On 9 September 2025 the Commission announced the tentative loan amounts for each state.

• Lithuania submitted its request on 28 November 2025, together with a defence‑industry investment plan.

• Assessment

• The Commission checked the request against the rules in Regulation (EU) 2025/1106.

• It found that Lithuania’s request satisfies all relevant conditions (Articles 4, 7(2) and 16 of the Regulation).

• The Commission confirmed that the request is compliant with Article 8(3) and considered Lithuania’s financial needs, while applying the principles of equal treatment, solidarity, proportionality and transparency.

• Decision

• Article 1 – Lithuania’s request meets all required conditions.

• Article 2 – The EU will provide a loan of up to EUR 6 375 487 000. The Commission will make EUR 956 323 050 available as a pre‑financing payment.

• Article 3 – The decision is addressed to the Republic of Lithuania.

• The decision does not affect other ongoing procedures under Regulation (EU) 2024/1263 or Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97, nor does it change the rules set out in Article 322 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union or in Regulations (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 and 2020/2092.

• The decision was adopted in Brussels by the Council, signed by the President.