Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on November 28, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 20, 2026
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Portugal seeks $6.73 billion in EU loans under the SAFE programme to enhance its defence capabilities, with first payouts expected by 2026.
LISBON (Reuters) -Portugal has applied for 5.8 billion euros ($6.73 billion) in low-cost loans under a new EU defence programme to boost its armed forces capabilities, Cabinet Minister Antonio Leitao Amaro said on Friday.
The programme, called Security Action For Europe (SAFE), is an EU initiative worth 150 billion euros, which boosts defence capabilities, closes critical gaps, and procures equipment as Europe faces potential threats from Russia.
It offers long-maturity loans of up to 45 years with a 10-year grace period for repayments.
"This is a very important effort to empower our armed forces...so that they can defend our territory, our maritime space, and Europe as a whole," Leitao Amaro told reporters.
He gave no details on what equipment Portugal plans to buy, but said the government aims to "strengthen the Portuguese industry."
Spending plans from countries applying for SAFE funds will be reviewed by the European Commission, which expects to approve the first payouts in early 2026.
The European Commission is urging EU countries to identify key defence needs and launch major pan-European projects to strengthen defence against Russia, emphasizing that equipment should be sourced from within Europe wherever possible.
($1 = 0.8623 euros)
(Reporting by Sergio Goncalves, Editing by Louise Heavens)
Low-cost loans are loans offered at lower interest rates compared to standard loans, making them more affordable for borrowers. They often come with favorable repayment terms.
A grace period is a specified time after a loan is disbursed during which the borrower is not required to make any payments. This period allows borrowers to prepare for repayment.
The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and managing the EU's day-to-day operations, including financial assistance programs.
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