SAFE: start with the buyer, not the headline budget

SAFE provides up to €150 billion in loans to EU Member States for defence investment. The European Commission describes joint procurement and greater industrial cooperation as central features.

For a supplier, the questions are practical: which national investment plan could involve its capability, which authority is buying, and whether it would participate directly or through an integrator.

The Commission states that at least 65% of component costs must originate in the EU, Ukraine or eligible EEA/EFTA countries. Eligibility must be checked against the applicable rules and the specific procurement.

MSSG’s reading for smaller firms: map the buyer and supply chain before treating the programme envelope as an opportunity for your business. This updates a topic previously covered on MSSG’s company channels.