Czechia interested in EU-instrument loan of 52 billion crowns for Leopard 2A8 tanks

Czechia is interested in a loan of 52 billion crowns for German Leopard 2A8 tanks, which it can obtain by joining the new financial instrument of the European Union SAFE that will enable loans for military equipment. Prime Minister Petr Fiala said this at Wednesday’s press conference after the government meeting.

Minister of Defence Jana Černochová informed other members of the government about the intention today at a meeting of the EU Committee. However, this is a non-binding step; Czechia can still decide whether to actually use the loan. According to the Prime Minister, the government will decide by November 29th.