BUCHAREST, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Romania will receive 16.68 billion euros (19.36 billion U.S. dollars) in loans under the European Union (EU)'s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, the Romanian government said on Thursday.

People shout slogans during an anti-austerity rally in downtown Bucharest, Romania, Jan. 15, 2026.

People shout slogans during an anti-austerity rally in downtown Bucharest, Romania, Jan. 15, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

​The Romanian government, in a statement, welcomed the European Commission's approval of its funding application, saying the financing represents a significant opportunity for the country.

Projects' details included in the application are expected to be made public next week.

Following the Commission's approval, the EU Council is expected to adopt the necessary implementing decisions, after which the Commission will finalize loan agreements, with the first disbursements expected as early as March.

The SAFE instrument, approved in May 2025, is part of the EU's broader effort to enhance its collective defense capabilities. Valued at 150 billion euros, the program aims to boost joint production and procurement of defense equipment. (1 euro = 1.16 U.S. dollar)