Ireland to sign up to €150bn EU defence initiative
The Government is set to sign up to a new major European Union defence programme.
The €150 billion initiative – called Security Action for Europe or Safe – will allow member states to jointly procure military equipment.
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It will also give them access to long-term, low-interest loans in an effort to boost defence against Russian aggression.
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris is expected to announce the decision to join the programme later on Friday.
The Government believes becoming a member will allow Ireland to secure military equipment at a lower cost and faster pace – in some cases up to two years earlier than under existing procurement arrangements.
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The decision to sign up to the Safe regulation represents a significant step towards closer co-operation between Ireland and the EU on defence issues.
It is likely to draw significant criticism from pro-neutrality campaigners who will view it as further erosion of Ireland's non-aligned status within Europe.
During previous discussions on the proposals, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said joint defence procurement is about achieving value for money and would have no impact on neutrality.
The Safe initiative is a core pillar of the European Commission's ReArm Europe Plan, which aims to inject €800 billion into the EU's defence industry over the coming years.
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