The Government is preparing to join a significant new defence initiative being developed by the European Union, reports Breaking News.
Known as Security Action for Europe, or Safe, the €150 billion programme will enable EU countries to purchase military equipment together.
It will also offer access to long-term, low-interest financing aimed at strengthening defences in response to Russian threats, reports Breaking News.
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris is expected to confirm Ireland’s participation in the programme later on Friday.
Officials believe that Ireland’s involvement will help secure military supplies more cheaply and more quickly – in some situations, up to two years ahead of what current procurement systems allow, reports Breaking News.
Signing up to the Safe regulation marks a notable move towards deeper collaboration between Ireland and the EU on defence matters.
However, the move is expected to spark backlash from neutrality advocates, who may see it as a further weakening of Ireland’s traditionally non-aligned stance in European affairs, reports Breaking News.
In earlier debates on the plan, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said joint defence purchasing is about getting the best value and does not affect Ireland’s neutrality.
Safe forms a central component of the European Commission’s ReArm Europe Plan, which is intended to channel €800 billion into the EU’s defence sector over the coming years, reports Breaking News.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
