19/12/2025 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 19 December, the Council of the European Union approved Canada’s participation in the European loan instrument ‘SAFE’, which will help nineteen Member States to increase military spending by up to €150 billion (see EUROPE 13764/25). Ottawa will contribute €10 million to the instrument. Under the agreement, the military industry will be able to supply more than 35% of the final components of the equipment or material purchased jointly. In addition, the EU has ensured that Canadian defence equipment procured via ‘SAFE’ will contain at least 20% European components. Turkey, South Korea and Japan have officially indicated their wish to participate in the ‘SAFE’ instrument, although the Member States have already sent their national investment plans to the European Commission (see EUROPE 13763/2). (MB)