The country will redirect PLN 26 billion (USD 6.9 billion) from its EU-financed National Recovery Plan to a new Security and Defense Fund, Deputy Regional Policy Minister Jan Szyszko said on social media.
The fund, approved by Brussels, will finance projects in four areas: civil-protection infrastructure, defense industry development, modernization of “dual-use” assets such as roads and airports, and investment in cybersecurity.
“Two months ago we promised a Security and Defense Fund – today we deliver,” Szyszko wrote on the X social media platform after wrapping up talks with the European Commission.
The money will be reallocated from a tranche previously earmarked for green urban transformation.
The final confirmation is expected after an EU Council meeting scheduled for June 20, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
Financing will come as low-interest loans or equity injections, some of which could be partially written off depending on the project type and location.
Eligible applicants include local governments, private and state-owned companies and research institutes.
The government in Warsaw says the fund will strengthen the country’s resilience to threats while creating jobs, particularly in smaller towns.
(jh/gs)
Source: IAR