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Turkey Joins EU Defense Initiative, Secures Major Funding

9/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The European Commission confirmed Turkey's interest in the SAFE program to enhance EU defense spending.
Turkey, along with South Korea, submitted its request last June, but details remain confidential.
Non-EU countries can engage in EU defense projects up to 35% without a bilateral agreement.
Belgium will receive 8.34 billion euros in favorable loans from SAFE for defense investments.
The EU plans to borrow 150 billion euros for member state defense projects, with 19 of 27 states showing interest.

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Story summary

The European Commission confirmed Turkey's interest in the SAFE program to enhance EU defense spending.
Turkey, along with South Korea, submitted its request last June, but details remain confidential.
Non-EU countries can engage in EU defense projects up to 35% without a bilateral agreement.
Belgium will receive 8.34 billion euros in favorable loans from SAFE for defense investments.
The EU plans to borrow 150 billion euros for member state defense projects, with 19 of 27 states showing interest.