site.btaGovernment Approves Draft Expression of Interest under Security Action For Europe Instrument

At its regular meeting on Wednesday, the Council of Ministers adopted a decision approving a draft expression of interest by the Republic of Bulgaria for financial assistance in the form of a loan under the instrument  Security Action For Europe (SAFE)  through the strengthening of the European defence industry, aimed at urgent and large-scale public investment in support of the European defence industry.

The financial assistance requested by Bulgaria in the form of a loan has a minimum threshold of EUR 2,745,700,000 and a maximum threshold of EUR 3,067,800,000. It is intended to finance the implementation of priority military capabilities necessary to ensure national and allied security in the context of this country's participation in NATO's collective defence system and the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy.

A significant advantage of the SAFE instrument is the exemption from VAT on supplies related to the implementation of projects financed by loan funds. In addition to the above advantages, a SAFE loan will enable a gradual increase in national defence spending in line with the decision taken by NATO heads of state and government at their meeting in The Hague on June 24-25 this year.

With Wednesday’s decision, the Council of Ministers authorized the Minister of Defence to sign and submit on behalf of the Republic of Bulgaria to the European Commission the expression of interest for financial assistance in the form of a loan under the SAFE instrument by July 29, 2025. This is not legally binding.