Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated a SAFE agreement could be signed this Friday, despite a previous presidential veto delaying funds.
Kosiniak-Kamysz on SAFE and Polish Industry
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz participated in the National Day celebrations of the Third of May in Krakow. Regarding the SAFE issue, the Minister of National Defence admitted that the president’s veto complicated the process of securing funds, but the government brought the matter to a conclusion.
Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized the desire to invest in Polish industry, highlighting companies like Huta Stalowa Wola and Mesko in Skarżysko-Kamienna as priorities. Equipment not produced in Poland will be purchased from allies.
SAFE Agreement Signatories Announced
Government Plenipotentiary for SAFE, Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarniecka, announced the government will sign the agreement within the next few dozen hours. Signatories will include Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Minister of Finance Andrzej Domański, and two representatives from the Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego.
From the European Commission, the agreement will be signed by Commissioner for Defence Industry Andrius Kubilius and Commissioner for Budget Piotr Serafin.
SAFE Program Details and Timelines
Under EU regulations, member states can independently order military equipment under SAFE until the end of May. After this deadline, they will need to seek partner countries for each purchase. This timeline is crucial for Poland, as most planned purchases are to be made from Polish industry.
EU Funding and Allocation
The EU’s SAFE program provides 150 billion euros in support, including low-interest loans, primarily for military equipment purchases, especially those produced in Europe. Poland has been allocated a total of 43.7 billion euros.
These funds will finance defense projects outlined in Poland’s investment plan, including the Tarcza Wschód program, development of anti-drone systems, air defense, artillery, and modernization of military transport infrastructure. The government states 89% of the funds will go to Polish industry and the economy.
Overcoming the Presidential Veto
In mid-March, President Karol Nawrocki vetoed the law implementing SAFE, which would have created a special fund for EU funds. In response, the government adopted a resolution on the Polska Zbrojna Program, authorizing the Minister of National Defence and the Minister of Finance and Economy to sign the agreement and related documents.
The Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego will take out the loan on behalf of the Armed Forces Support Fund (FWSZ). The loan will be repaid from funds not included in the minimum limit of defense spending.