Poland on Friday signed a landmark agreement to access billions of euros in low-interest defence loans under the European Union's SAFE rearmament funding mechanism.
Speaking after the signing, Tusk said Poland would receive up to EUR 43.7 billion in loans to strengthen its military and defence industry.
With this funding, "Poland will be safer in these difficult and risky times, in this particular place on Earth," he said.
The agreement was signed in Warsaw by Poland's defence and finance ministers, alongside the EU budget and defence commissioners.
EU Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin, Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, and Finance Minister Andrzej Domański attend a signing ceremony in Warsaw on Friday for an agreement under which Poland will receive €43.7 billion in low-interest defence loans through the EU's SAFE funding tool. Photo: PAP/Marcin Obara
'A strong Poland in a strong Europe'
Tusk described the funding as a "huge amount" that he said would be invested directly in Poland’s security, arms industry, cooperating companies and technological capabilities.
He framed the initiative as part of a broader vision of "a strong Poland in a strong Europe," emphasising Warsaw’s "growing influence" within the EU and its commitment to maintaining unity across the continent and within NATO.
"We all hope we will avoid open conflict, but we are aware of the time and place we live in," Tusk said, referring to Russia's war in neighbouring Ukraine.
"We want to be certain that the Polish army and defence industry are capable of meeting any challenge," he added.
Poland, he said, is part of NATO, the world’s largest military alliance, and "can count on allies, including the United States," but must also be capable of ensuring its own security and contributing to that of its partners.
Tusk argued that recent shifts in EU policy and strategy would make that task easier, noting Poland has been at the forefront of pushing for increased defence spending and broader policy changes within the bloc.
"It is Poland that proposed a radical increase in defence spending," he said. "Today, Poland is effectively leading in Europe when it comes to these necessary changes—and we are doing this to strengthen Europe, not weaken it."
Tusk also addressed domestic political tensions, criticising President Karol Nawrocki, an ally of the opposition, for vetoing legislation intended to facilitate the use of SAFE funds through a dedicated national mechanism.
The veto does not block Poland from taking the loans but complicates how the money can be spent, limiting it primarily to military modernisation, according to officials.
Despite the setback, Tusk said the government would find ways to ensure broader access to EU funds for state security and law enforcement services such as border guards, firefighters and police.
“We will find solutions, just as we found a way to finalise the SAFE project, so that European funds can be used more widely," he said.
Poland is the largest beneficiary of the SAFE initiative and the first country to sign a loan agreement under the programme.
Poland plans to place most procurement orders with domestic defence manufacturers.
The funds will support projects including the country's flagship Eastern Shield programme, anti-drone and air defence systems, artillery and upgrades to military transport infrastructure.
The government has said that 89 percent of the funding will be spent within Poland, benefiting domestic industry and the wider economy.
Poland expects to receive an initial payment of around EUR 6.5 billion from the European Commission by the end of May.
The SAFE initiative offers up to EUR 150 billion in loans by 2030 to support joint defence procurement by participating countries.
It was established last year to help EU countries strengthen their military capabilities amid Russia's war in Ukraine and uncertainty over future US engagement in Europe.
The programme also aims to reduce reliance on US-made weapons and boost Europe's defence industry.
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Source: IAR, PAP
Click on the audio player above for a report by Agnieszka Bielawska.