Former Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski pleads with President Nawrocki to approve pending ambassador appointments in conflict zones.
Nominations in Conflict Zones
Former Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has appealed to President Karol Nawrocki to sign pending ambassadorial nominations, particularly for Kyiv and Tehran where Polish ambassadors hear explosions daily despite lacking full ambassadorial accreditation. Sikorski also noted that Poland’s candidate in the United Arab Emirates and Iraq are awaiting nomination.
SAFE Program Dispute
President Nawrocki has withheld his signature on the SAFE program legislation for months, citing concerns that certain candidates “do not guarantee adequate representation of state interests.” The president has also proposed an alternative “SAFE 0%” program. Despite Nawrocki’s position, Sikorski affirmed that Poland will implement the SAFE program regardless, with the first transfers from Brussels expected within weeks.
Regional Security Concerns
State Secretary in the Ministry of National Defense Cezary Tomczyk highlighted over 500 air attack means including drones and rockets that targeted Ukraine overnight. He urged President Nawrocki to sign the SAFE law immediately, emphasizing the need to increase Poland’s capabilities given the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Meeting Planned
President’s chief of staff Zbigniew Bogucki has invited Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, and National Bank President Adam Glapiński to a meeting on Tuesday, March 10, at 3 PM to discuss the SAFE program. Their attendance has been confirmed.
Potential Benefits
Poland is expected to be the largest beneficiary of the EU’s SAFE program, with access to approximately €43.7 billion (nearly 200 billion złoty) in favorable loans for defense investments. According to government declarations, 89% of the SAFE funds will go to Polish defense companies, with the money to be used for military needs, police and border guard support, and cybersecurity protection.
