Ireland joins EU scheme to fast-track defence procurement

Ireland is signing up to the EU’s new SAFE scheme to accelerate the procurement of critical defence systems, enabling faster access to sonar, air defence, cyber capabilities, and force protection equipment. Tánaiste Simon Harris highlighted that ‘common procurement’ will let Ireland place orders alongside larger EU partners, addressing longstanding delays in acquiring key capabilities.

SAFE, launched last month, offers financial support for urgent defence investments and joint acquisitions by relaxing existing procurement rules. This move aligns with EU-wide efforts to bolster security amid heightened geopolitical risks, from Russia’s war in Ukraine to shifting US defence commitments.

However, concerns remain over Ireland’s neutrality, with Labour warning against drifting towards EU militarisation and conflating national defence with NATO goals.

Read the full article to explore what SAFE means for procurement agility and EU defence integration.