Pakistan, May 27 -- In a landmark move to strengthen its military capabilities, the European Union on Tuesday approved a €150 billion loan programme aimed at rearming the continent and reducing dependency on external powers. Known as the SAFE (Support to Ammunition and Future Equipment) scheme, the initiative is backed by the EU's central budget and was proposed in March by the European Commission as part of a broader push for European strategic autonomy.

The decision was finalized at a meeting of EU ministers in Brussels, where 26 out of 27 member states voted in favour of the proposal. Only one country abstained. The programme reflects growing anxiety within Europe over Russia's continued aggression in Ukraine, and increasing dou...