The European Union Member States approved on Wednesday the launch of negotiations with Canada and the United Kingdom to access the European Fund of 150 billion euros ($ 178 billion), which aims to accelerate investment in defense industry.

The decision to launch talks on access to the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program was unanimous, as the rotating presidency of the European Council, which is currently practiced by Denmark, said on Wednesday.

If there is an agreement, British and Canadian companies will be able to participate in joint supplies funded by the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, in addition to the recent security and defense agreements concluded with the two countries.

The Safe program is part of the EU’s attempt to reinforce its defense readiness after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, amid concerns that the Donald Trump government will limit US security commitments in Europe. So far, funds are mainly available in EU member state companies, with a special regime for Ukraine.

Other countries outside the EU are seeking to participate in the program. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, whose country is on an EU integration orbit, told NATO Secretary -General Mark Rutte on Wednesday in Brussels that Albania could also access Safe.

Turkey with South Korea have also been accessing the lending fund. The European Commission, the EU executive body, approved earlier this month a preliminary budget of 150 billion euros in financial assistance.

Poland and Denmark represent almost two-thirds of the total funding, while Member States have a deadline until November 30 to submit specific projects to join.