> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.adriadefense.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Croatia to Use EU SAFE Loans to Support Ukraine’s Defense Procurement - URL: https://www.adriadefense.com/croatia-to-use-eu-safe-loans-to-support-ukraines-defence-procurement/ - Published: 2025-08-06T14:45:00.000Z - Updated: 2025-09-27T14:47:51.000Z - Author: AdriaDefense Desk - Tags: andrej plenkovic, safe, Industry, #Ukrainian defence manufacturers, Sergiy Boyev, #Ukrainian Defence Minister, EU Defense funds **ZAGREB / BRUSSELS** – Croatia plans to use **EU-backed defence loans** to strengthen **Ukraine’s military capabilities**, Prime Minister **Andrej Plenković** told Ukrainian President **Volodymyr Zelenskyy** in a phone call on **Tuesday evening**. According to a statement from the Croatian government, the support will be channelled through the **Security Action for Europe (SAFE)** instrument — a **€150 billion loan-based programme** designed to finance **joint defence procurement**among EU member states. “Prime Minister Plenković noted that Croatia will contribute its share to support Ukrainian defenders,” the statement said. Croatia is among **18 EU countries** that signaled interest in participating in the SAFE programme last week, though Zagreb has **not yet disclosed the amount** of funding it intends to request or specific procurement plans. --- ### **EU’s SAFE Mechanism and Ukraine’s Role** The **SAFE** facility allows member states to **jointly purchase defence equipment**, including **ammunition and missiles**, with the option to include **Ukraine** as a partner in procurement. EU Commissioner for Defence and Space **Andrius Kubilius** has encouraged capitals to involve Kyiv directly in their procurement proposals. Other countries exploring the instrument include **Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania**. In its submission of interest, Bulgaria suggested the possibility of **joint acquisitions with Ukraine**, notably **155mm artillery ammunition**, and welcomed participation by **Ukrainian defence manufacturers**. > “The country welcomes the possible inclusion of Ukrainian defence industry in any future joint acquisition of defence articles and other products with defence applications under the eligible categories of the SAFE instrument,” the Bulgarian statement reads. EU member states have until **the end of November** to submit **detailed proposals** outlining how they plan to use SAFE loans. --- ### **Broader Transatlantic Context** Plenković and Zelenskyy also discussed a **new U.S. initiative** announced by **President Donald Trump** in **mid-July**, under which **European allies** would help **finance American-made defence equipment** supplied to Ukraine. The plan aims to **expand Ukraine’s battlefield resources** while stimulating **European orders** for U.S. defence products. --- ### **Ukraine’s Procurement Priorities** In **June**, Ukrainian Defence Minister **Sergiy Boyev** outlined Kyiv’s current **defence needs** to EU partners, including **air defence systems, missiles, artillery, ammunition, and armoured platforms**. > “We stand ready for mutually beneficial cooperation toward integrating Ukraine’s defence industry into the European ecosystem,” Boyev told member states. As the war continues, SAFE is seen in Brussels as a potential **cornerstone mechanism** for **coordinated European support** to Ukraine’s military, while **strengthening Europe’s own defence industrial base**.