Poland's parliament defense loans

Poland’s parliament defense loans

By Doris Heimann

Warsaw (dpa) — Poland’s parliament has approved a law to implement the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence procurement programme to boost members states’ military readiness.

The EU is providing €150 billion ($178 billion) in low-interest loans under the initiative, with Poland set to be the largest beneficiary with almost €44 billion.

SAFE is a response to increasing hostility towards the West from Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Before the first funds can be disbursed, however, the law must be signed by Poland’s conservative President Karol Nawrocki, who views the European programme with skepticism.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that more than 80% of the EU funds received by Poland will be invested in contracts for the country’s defence companies.

SAFE is not only a source of direct financing of the army, “but also a significant boost in opportunities, money, and technology for the Polish defence industry and all cooperation partners,” said Tusk, whose centre-left government frequently clashes with the president’s view of national policy.

Poland’s parliament defense loans

Nawrocki: No aid for “western neighbour”

Nawrocki had opposed the European programme at a meeting of the National Security Council in mid-February. SAFE should “not become a support for the crisis-ridden economy of our western neighbour,” he said, referring to Germany.

According to the political right in Poland, SAFE primarily secures contracts for the German and French defence industries.

Nawrocki said on Thursday that he had several weeks to decide on the law and would not commit to anything yet.

Poland is one of the most important political and military backers of Ukraine in the past four years of war. Poland also feels threatened by Russia and has been expanding its army to become the largest in the EU.

The dispute over SAFE reflects the divisions in Warsaw following Nawrocki’s election in 2025. Since then, the EU and NATO member has no longer spoken with one voice on strategic issues.

According to plans by the Ministry of Defense, Poland intends to use the SAFE funds to buy defensive weapons against drones and missiles, helicopters and boats.