Belgium Secures €8.34 Billion Loan to Boost Its Defence Industry

The Council of the European Union has decided to give Belgium financial help under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme, which supports the European defence industry.

Background

• The Commission asked all Member States to show interest in SAFE loans and to give an indicative maximum and minimum amount. By 29 August 2025, 19 states had responded.
• On 9 September 2025 the Commission announced tentative loan amounts for each state.
• On 28 November 2025 Belgium submitted a request for a SAFE loan together with a defence‑industry investment plan.
• The Commission checked the request against the rules in Regulation (EU) 2025/1106. It found that Belgium’s plan meets all conditions, including that defence projects will be carried out through common or single procurements, that they will speed up the defence industry’s adaptation, improve availability of products, and ensure interoperability across the Union. The plan also shows how it will comply with procurement rules.

Decision

• Article 1 confirms that Belgium’s request satisfies the conditions of Regulation (EU) 2025/1106.
• Article 2 gives Belgium a loan of up to €8 340 027 698.00. A pre‑financing payment of €1 251 004 154.70 will be made available immediately.
• The decision is addressed to the Kingdom of Belgium and is made in Brussels on 15 January 2026.

The decision follows EU rules on solidarity, proportionality and transparency, and does not affect other EU regulations or procedures.