Romania Races to Submit Projects for EU SAFE Defense Funding

Romania is facing a tight deadline to unlock billions in European Union funding for its defense industry under the new SAFE (Support to reinforce the European defence industry through common Procurement Act) program.

Economy Minister Radu Miruță confirmed that Romania must submit detailed project proposals by 29 November, emphasizing that the initiative represents a major opportunity to “unstick” and modernize the country’s long-stalled defense industrial base.

Through the SAFE program, Bucharest could access up to €16.7 billion in credit to co-finance defense production, research, and procurement. The funds are designed to strengthen Europe’s industrial capacity amid soaring demand for ammunition, components, and critical technologies.

Miruță said the government is now working with domestic defense companies to identify eligible projects—from ammunition lines to dual-use technologies—that could secure EU co-financing.
He also warned that bureaucratic delays and weak project preparation could risk Romania missing out on the full potential of the program.

Analysts say successful absorption of SAFE funds could mark a turning point for Romania’s defense sector, enabling modernization, new jobs, and greater integration into Europe’s collective supply chain.