Poland expects to receive its initial funds from the European Union’s SAFE program in April, according to government officials, despite a presidential veto.
Government Official Confirms April Timeline
Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, the government plenipotentiary for SAFE, stated on Monday that Poland should receive the first funds under the “Polska Zbrojna” (Armed Poland) program in April. She indicated that the loan agreement with the European Commission is planned for late March or early April.
Government Decree Authorizes Loan Agreement
On Friday, the government adopted a resolution regarding the Polska Zbrojna Program, authorizing the ministers of defense and finance to sign the agreement concerning the EU’s SAFE program. The resolution stipulates that the loan repayment will be sourced from funds not included in the minimum defense spending limit.
Presidential Veto Complicates Funding Process
Sobkowiak-Czarnecka acknowledged that President Karol Nawrocki’s veto on Thursday of the law implementing the SAFE mechanism “complicates the entire matter” regarding the acquisition of EU funds. She emphasized that the law did not concern Poland’s participation in SAFE itself, but rather the creation of a financial instrument for proper fund allocation.
Funds Redirected to Existing Military Fund
Following the presidential veto, the government’s Friday resolution allows EU funds to be channeled into the existing Armed Forces Support Fund. Sobkowiak-Czarnecka noted this is an imperfect solution, as the fund’s regulations restrict spending to the needs of the Polish Armed Forces, excluding the Police, Border Guard, and infrastructure needs.
Veto’s Impact on Fund Allocation
The government decree, adopted after the presidential veto, allows EU funds to be directed to the existing Armed Forces Support Fund. Sobkowiak-Czarnecka pointed out that this solution is not ideal, as the fund’s regulations limit spending to the needs of the Polish Armed Forces, excluding the Police, Border Guard, or infrastructure projects.