SAFE Program and Misinformation: The Facts

It is clarified that Turkey does not have direct access to the EU's SAFE program. SAFE is an EU lending program for member states for joint purchases of military equipment.

Third countries and foreign companies cannot have direct access to this fund. The money borrowed by member states goes to the Ministries of Defense, which choose from whom to buy.

Companies established in the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA), or Ukraine can undertake projects funded through SAFE, under certain conditions. There is a 35% limit for components originating outside the EU.

Greece and Cyprus have a say in any attempt by Turkey or Turkish companies to be funded by SAFE. No country is obliged to participate in a joint procurement with partners it does not trust.

Any broader political agreement giving preferential access to a third country must be unanimously approved by the EU Council within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy.

The acquisition of the Italian company Piaggio Aerospace by the Turkish company Baykar does not automatically mean Turkey's access to SAFE. Piaggio remains an Italian company and is subject to controls by the Italian and European authorities.

A Turkish-owned company can participate in a SAFE project only through a European subsidiary that meets specific conditions and has passed security checks.

Greece and Cyprus retain political and institutional tools to prevent the unwanted participation of Turkish companies in the SAFE program.