Eighteen EU members apply for a total of $147 billion from defence fund
The fund, known as Security Action for Europe, is ultimately expected to generate 150 billion euros in defence investments. Countries have until November 30 to submit their requests.
The Commission said the initial "strong interest" allowed it to prepare to raise funds on capital markets.
The countries that have so far shown interest are Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Finland.
($1 = 0.8667 euros)
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