The UK is considering joining the EU’s new defence funding program, Security Action for Europe (SAFE), in its potential second iteration.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the government is ready to explore the option of participating in an updated version of this multi-billion-pound mechanism. He made this announcement on February 1, 2026, ahead of talks with EU representatives in London.
SAFE is a loan program of up to €150 billion, launched by the European Commission in 2025 as part of the ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 plan. It allows EU member states to receive preferential long-term loans for the joint procurement of weapons, ammunition, air defence systems, drones, and other critical defence capabilities. The program aims to accelerate European rearmament amid threats from Russia and uncertainty regarding the United States’ commitment to the continent’s security.
In November 2025, negotiations for the UK to join the initial version of SAFE collapsed: London refused to make the contribution demanded by Brussels (estimated at around €2 billion), deeming it excessive. As a result, British companies are limited to participating in projects at the level of third countries (up to 35% of components).
Now, according to Starmer, the UK is ready to reopen discussions on the terms of participation if the second phase of the program is launched. The prime minister emphasized that Europe must “do more” for its own defence, and close cooperation with the EU in this area is in the interests of both sides.
“I’ve already made the argument that this requires looking at schemes like SAFE and others to see if there’s a way to work together more closely,” Starmer noted.
According to sources in Brussels and London, Germany is actively advocating for the UK’s rapid inclusion in the program, while France is insisting on stricter conditions. The issue is expected to be discussed at upcoming meetings, including in the context of the EU-UK summit, which could take place in May 2026.
Participation in SAFE would allow British defence companies (BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and others) to bid for significantly more contracts in European joint projects, which could provide a boost to the entire industry after Brexit.