"We're fully committed to the Polish national plan. We look forward to implementing it without delays," Regnier said.
The EC spokesman added that the Commission was determined to press ahead regardless of the domestic political dispute triggered by President Karol Nawrocki's veto of the government-backed legislation implementing the SAFE instrument.
The advance payment would amount to 15 percent of Poland's allocation – EUR 6.5 billion – after which national-level projects could begin.
Implementation of SAFE an internal matter
Regnier called Poland the "bastion of the eastern front", saying the country had submitted a solid and well-prepared plan, approved in record time.
On the presidential veto, Regnier said the Commission would not involve itself in Poland's internal political debate, and that the legal basis for implementation – whether via legislation or a government resolution – was entirely a matter for Polish authorities.
"We need Poland on board," he stressed.
The EU's SAFE programme provides EUR 150 billion in low-interest loans, primarily for military equipment purchases.
Poland is the scheme's single largest beneficiary, with EUR 43.7 billion awarded, nearly a third of the total SAFE pool.
The Commission has so far approved plans from 16 member states.
(ał)
Source: PAP