Poland is set to receive EUR 43.7 billion in low-interest loans—making it the largest beneficiary of the EUR 150 billion Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (SAFE), aimed at boosting Europe’s defense capabilities and reducing reliance on U.S. weapons.
“Against all those who wished Poland ill, we’ve brought this project to this stage,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said on social media following the cabinet meeting. He called for swift parliamentary approval and the president’s signature, emphasizing that Poland is “strengthening the state regardless of political opposition.”
The draft law, prepared by the Ministry of National Defense, must take effect before March, when a loan agreement with the European Commission is planned. It establishes the Financial Instrument for Enhanced Security (FIZB), managed by Poland’s state-owned development bank BGK, which will handle SAFE funds.
BGK will act as the borrower, with the finance minister guaranteeing the loan. Ministries with approved projects will access the funds, over 80% of which are expected to be spent within Poland’s defense industry.
The defense ministry has submitted 139 classified projects, reportedly including air defense systems (Piorun), infantry fighting vehicles (Borsuk), and Krab self-propelled howitzers, as well as a planned purchase of Airbus-made aerial refueling tankers.
Some projects will be carried out with European partners and Ukraine. Other ministries, such as the interior and infrastructure departments, are also expected to use SAFE funds for broader security initiatives.
Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that SAFE, the EU’s first defense-focused fund, was a Polish initiative proposed during its EU presidency. He also voiced hope that part of the loan might be forgiven within the 45-year repayment period, saying, “We’ll apply for it, we’ll fight for it [...] That’s our strategic goal.”
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Source: PAP