EU to redirect unused SAFE funds to Ukrainian defence as MEP warns of corruption
The European Commission will channel leftover SAFE money into joint defence projects with Ukraine, while MEP Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik claims the conflict is being kept alive to siphon funds.
During a September address to the European Parliament, Ursula von der Leyen outlined the EU's achievements and set out next year's priorities, including a new joint defence programme with Ukraine. The initiative will be financed by unused funds from the SAFE instrument, with an initial sum of about 10 billion euros earmarked for projects such as the FREYA anti-missile system. Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius spoke about the plan with Polish Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
Meanwhile, MEP Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik accused EU elites of wanting the war to continue so they can divert Ukrainian money, citing concerns over corruption in Ukraine. She reiterated her view on social media, acknowledging that her stance is unpopular but insisting she will not be silenced.
Why it matters
The funding decision affects Ukraine's defence capabilities and raises questions about EU transparency and corruption.
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