Ministers greenlight member states' plans worth half of EU's €150bn defence loan scheme

Ministers back plans worth half of EU's €150bn defence loan scheme

Sixteen out of 19 plans have now gotten the final green light required to secure first disbursements of funds to buy defence equipment.

European finance ministers approve €74 billion defence plans from eight states

Finance ministers from eight European member states approved national defence investment plans worth €74 billion on February 17, 2026. A spokesperson for the Cypriot presidency stated this decision facilitates affordable loans under the EU's Security Action for Europe scheme, which aims to enhance defence procurement.