The European Commission has approved the Czech Republic’s National Defence Plan under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, opening the Czech Republic access to funding to strengthen its defence capabilities. The decision is part of the approval of the next wave of SAFE funding and contributes to strengthening the security and preparedness of the European Union as a whole.

Based on the approval, the Czech Republic will be entitled to draw up to EUR 2.06 billion in long-term loans after signing the loan agreements. The allocation amount was set back in 2025 on the basis of the principles of solidarity and transparency. The funds are intended to support the development of key defence capabilities where they are most needed.

Following the assessment by the European Commission, the Council of the EU will now approve the implementing decisions, which have four weeks to do so. Following their adoption, the Commission will finalise the loan agreements and the first payments are expected in April 2026. The EU Council has already approved implementing decisions for 16 other Member States.

The SAFE programme is part of the Readiness 2030 package and enables Member States to rapidly increase defence investment through joint procurement from the European defence industry. More detailed information is available at this link.