29/07/2025 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday, 29 July, Thomas Régnier, a spokesperson for the European Commission, indicated that “[at least] 20 Member States” of the European Union would be using loans provided through the ‘SAFE’ instrument. For context, Member States had until midnight this Tuesday to indicate whether they intended to take advantage of loans under the €150 billion ‘SAFE’ instrument (see EUROPE 13649/23). Sixteen countries have already formally requested to participate in the initiative: among these are Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Romania, Estonia, Spain, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, and Poland. ‘SAFE’ loans will be able to be entered into the accounts as military spending covered by the national escape clause in the Stability and Growth Pact. (MB)