Polish President Karol Nawrocki unveils zero-interest ‘Polish SAFE’ alternative following talks with NBP head Adam Glapiński.
Nawrocki’s Announcement
On Wednesday, March 4, Karol Nawrocki stated his decision regarding the SAFE program would come later. During a press briefing, he revealed he met with National Bank of Poland (NBP) President Adam Glapiński for “another matter,” aiming to find a “favorable, sovereign, secure, good, and effective alternative” to SAFE.
Polish SAFE Alternative
Nawrocki emphasized after weeks of expert meetings at the Presidential Chancellery, he discussed a “Polish SAFE zero percent” with Glapiński. He stressed, “We have a concrete, Polish alternative that will not involve any financial interest, credit until 2070, or changes in the European Union.”
Government Cooperation Needed
“To implement this mechanism, we need the president’s consent, the NBP president’s initiative and agreement, and the government’s involvement. In this triangle, Poland can introduce ‘Polish SAFE’,” Nawrocki added. He stated he would send letters on Wednesday to Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz inviting them to a meeting on the Polish SAFE 0 percent plan.
NBP’s Position
Glapiński assured the NBP is ready to cooperate with the government and president. “Our foreign exchange reserves are the reserves of all Poles. They are Poland’s reserves entrusted to the NBP,” he said, expressing hope for “very good” collaboration with the government on the program.
SAFE Program Background
Last Friday, the Sejm adopted Senate amendments to the law implementing the SAFE program, including the absence of budget funding for loan repayment from the Ministry of National Defense. Poland is the largest beneficiary of the EU SAFE program, eligible for approximately 43.7 billion euros (nearly 200 billion złoty). The government declared 89 percent of SAFE funds would go to Polish defense firms. The Polish Ministry of National Defense included 139 projects in its SAFE application.
MSWiA’s Appeal and Plans
MSWiA head Marcin Kierwiński appealed to the president, urging him to sign the SAFE bill. “Those who reject SAFE funds are effectively speaking against every officer’s security,” he stated. Kierwiński outlined funds would be used for new protections, optoelectronic systems, and equipment for Border Guard officers, including bulletproof vests, personal weapons, and helmets. Additionally, funds would support anti-drone systems and critical infrastructure defense.
