Croatia on Friday receivedВ its first payment of € 255 million under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence instrument, representing 15% of its total allocation of € 1.7 billion, the European Commission said.

SAFE is a € 150 billion financial instrument providing loans to member states.В It primarily funds joint procurement of ammunition, missiles, air defenceВ and ground combat systems produced within the EU.В

It is part of the European Commission’s ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 plan,В which aims to unlock over € 800 billion in defence investment across the European Union.

The pre-financing will allow Croatia to fast-track key defence projects, reinforce its resilienceВ and upgrade its military capabilities in support of common European objectives.В Further payments will be made as agreed milestones are met.

“Croatia has consistently demonstrated its commitment to European security, and this pre-financing will help turn that commitment into stronger capabilities on the ground. By accelerating key defence investments, Croatia will reinforce its resilience, modernise its armed forces, enhance its defence capabilities in the Mediterranean region, and strengthen its contribution to our collective defence,” European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius said.

“Every Member State that invests in its own security also makes Europe stronger. SAFE is about enabling countries like Croatia to move faster, invest together and build the capabilities that Europe needs to deter threats and protect its citizens.”

Eighteen EU countries are participating in the programme.