BLAHOGEVGRAD – Bulgaria plans to seek between 2.74 and 3.06 billion euros through the EU “Measures for the Security of Europe” (SAFE) mechanism. This announcement came from Bulgarian Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov.
On Wednesday, the Bulgarian government approved a draft application for a loan under SAFE to support urgent, large-scale public investments in the European defense sector. According to the government’s information service, the funds are intended to finance priority military capabilities essential for national and allied security, in light of Bulgaria’s participation in NATO’s collective defense and the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP).
Minister Zapryanov stated that by July 29, Bulgaria must declare the minimum and maximum financial amounts it seeks under the SAFE mechanism. He noted that the loan offers very favorable terms, including low interest rates, a grace period of 10 years, and a total repayment span of 35 years, resulting in a total of 45 years, with supplies exempt from VAT. The mechanism has allocated 150 billion euros, available for each EU member state, Zapryanov added, emphasizing that the European Commission (EC) will determine the allocation of funds among member countries.
Upon receiving official notice of the approved SAFE funding for Bulgaria, the government will proceed to develop a national plan, which must be submitted to the EC by the end of November, Minister Zapryanov concluded. (24.07.2025)
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