EU invites €21.3bn defence project bids, says plans should ideally prioritise Ukraine
Funds part of 150 billion euro SAFE loan scheme; new call follows undersubscription by Italy and Hungary
The European Commission on Oct. 29 invited EU member states to submit proposals for €21.3 billion ($23.8 billion) in defence projects, urging them to prioritise cooperation with Ukraine, including joint procurement and addressing Kyiv's 'urgent needs' in air and missile defence, drones and ammunition.