Japan Seeks to Join EU’s SAFE Defense Financing Program
The European Commission is evaluating the request under its Readiness 2030 plan to scale up arms production.
Overview
- European Commission spokesman Toma Renié confirmed that Japan has formally applied to participate in the SAFE instrument.
- The Commission said it is reviewing third‑country applications and will not pre‑empt any decisions.
- Turkey and South Korea have expressed interest in launching bilateral talks toward full participation in SAFE.
- Canada has already concluded a bilateral agreement to join, while the United Kingdom acknowledged its talks failed on November 28.
- SAFE, approved by EU states in May, aims to mobilize up to €150 billion for defense manufacturing within the broader Readiness 2030 strategy, which currently counts 19 EU participants and targets roughly €800 billion overall.