The European Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) on 23 June 2026 reviewed implementation of the SAFE (Security and Defence Industrial Strategy) instrument with DG DEFIS Director-General Herald Ruijters, focusing on delays, joint procurement ambition, and accountability after Parliament was excluded from co-legislation. Ruijters reported that 9 of 18 beneficiary states had signed loan agreements, with EUR 98 billion allocated from EUR 147 billion in requests, and a 60% common / 40% national procurement split expected to shift toward 70–30 or 80–20. He promised a September breakdown by capability and member-state participation.
MEPs pushed back on national flexibility. Hélder Sousa Silva (EPP) warned that single-state purchases could create a patchwork, while Nicolás Pascual de la Parte (EPP) stressed that SAFE should back collaborative procurement, not national budgets. Ruijters defended screening, noting that national procurements were allowed only until May 2025 and required openness to others, and that the Commission rejected many projects lacking a common dimension. Sven Mikser (S&D) questioned how SAFE de-fragments industry given uneven distribution of defence firms; Ruijters rejected a revenue-balancing logic, citing benefits for SMEs and start-ups.
Pierre-Romain Thionnet (PfE) and Tobias Cremer (S&D) asked about capability gaps and innovation. Ruijters said all nine capabilities were covered, with drones/counter-drones at EUR 5 billion, and that R&D belongs under EDF/ECF. On Ukraine, Ruijters noted that 19 plans foresee Ukraine-related actions worth over EUR 5 billion, but joint ventures face obstacles; talks on facilitation and IP exports continue.
Pekka Toveri (EPP) pressed on Hungary and Italy delays. Ruijters said Hungary’s new government may reduce its request from EUR 16 billion, potentially freeing funds for a second call. Marta Wcisło (EPP) raised Poland’s EUR 43.7 billion allocation and a presidential veto limiting SAFE to military spending; Ruijters confirmed a workable solution and noted Poland can use EDIP/EDBCI for other needs. Chair Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (Renew) scheduled a September follow-up.
The push for collaborative procurement benefits EU defence industry by reducing fragmentation and fostering scale, but may constrain member states seeking national flexibility. Eastern flank members like Poland and Hungary face delays or veto-related restrictions, potentially limiting their access to funds. Ukraine benefits from earmarked actions but faces obstacles in joint ventures. SMEs stand to gain from supply-chain opportunities, though uneven distribution of defence firms may limit their participation. The European Defence Agency's role in coordination could be strengthened if joint procurement targets are met.