Calling the decision "a historic success," Kosiniak-Kamysz said the funds will guarantee continued investment in Poland’s security and defence, including air and missile defences, artillery systems, ammunition, drones, anti-drone technology, and cyber defence.
“Poland will be the biggest beneficiary of the SAFE programme,” he told reporters, adding that the EU confirmed the allocation in a letter from Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius.
Nineteen EU member states had applied for funding, requesting a total of EUR 150 billion, according to the European Commission.
Kosiniak-Kamysz said repayment of the loans will not begin until 10 years after the funds are disbursed.
"This is not only a huge investment in jobs in Poland, but above all in the security of our country," he said.
He credited the Polish government and Poland’s presidency of the EU Council in the first half of this year with securing the package.
The SAFE (Support for Ammunition and defence Financing in Europe) programme, created during Poland’s EU presidency, is intended to strengthen Europe’s defence sector amid Russia’s military buildup.
Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasised that SAFE is designed to complement NATO, not replace it, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
He told reporters that Poland is interested in pursuing joint defence projects with Ukraine under the programme.
The European Commission said member states must now submit national investment plans by the end of November. The first disbursements are expected early next year.
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Source: IAR, PAP