Ukraine and Romania implement EUR 200M joint projects under SAFE initiative
Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Office of the President, announced this in an interview with Ukrinform.
“One of the outcomes of the Ukrainian President’s visit to Romania was the signing of a document on joint production in the military-industrial sector, and a specific amount was allocated from the SAFE program, which Romania has joined. As of today, this amounts to 200 million euros, which will be allocated for joint production with Ukraine,” Zhovkva said.
He noted that Romania applied for the SAFE program and received approval for its investment plan.
“Unfortunately, the funds have not yet reached any country, as the process of approving member states’ investment plans is ongoing. As a reminder, 19 countries have applied. And as soon as all these plans are approved, the funds will go to each country. But it is important that 200 million euros have been allocated with Romania for joint production, primarily of drones, which Ukraine needs,” said the deputy head of the Presidential Office.
As reported, the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) program, approved by the European Commission, provides for the allocation of a total of EUR 150 billion in low-interest loans for the procurement and production of military equipment and weapons by EU countries. The repayment term for the European loan, which carries a relatively low interest rate (around 3%), is 45 years. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Ukraine’s security is the security of the EU and all of Europe, and that is why Ukraine will have the opportunity to participate in projects under SAFE.
On March 12 in Bucharest, the presidents of Ukraine and Romania, Volodymyr Zelensky and Nicușor Dan, signed a declaration on strategic partnership and a number of other documents, including a joint statement between Ukraine and Romania on the joint production of defense products.
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