By joining SAFE, Ireland would benefit from streamlined procurement procedures that apply across EU member states. This would significantly reduce the time it currently takes—up to two years—for the country to acquire essential defence equipment such as sonar capacity, air and cyber defence systems, artillery, and force protection technologies.

The SAFE instrument officially came into effect at the end of May and is part of the European Union’s broader response to growing geopolitical instability, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and concerns over the reliability of U.S. support for European defence. In light of these developments, the EU is re-evaluating and strengthening its overall security framework.

One of the key objectives of SAFE is to provide financial backing to member states making urgent public investments in defence manufacturing and capacity-building. It also enables more flexible joint procurement practices by offering a temporary exemption from standard EU procurement rules. This is expected to facilitate quicker, more coordinated acquisitions across the bloc.

Mr Harris is likely to emphasise that Ireland must move in step with other countries of similar size and strategic posture within Europe. By signing up to SAFE, the government hopes to improve the responsiveness and effectiveness of Ireland’s defence capabilities, ensuring the country is better prepared for emerging threats while also contributing more robustly to collective European security.