President Nawrocki announced a non-EU funding alternative for military; Sobkowiacz-Czarnecka called it very beneficial.
Nawrocki Announces “Polish SAFE” Plan
On Wednesday, President Karol Nawrocki, following talks with National Bank of Poland President Adam Glapiński, stated he would immediately propose a meeting to Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamisz regarding a “Polish SAFE” program. Nawrocki emphasized seeking a sovereign, secure, effective alternative to the EU’s SAFE program.
“We met today to finalize this project, guaranteeing 185 billion złoty not tied to a loan or changes in the EU, providing Polish armed forces with needed flexibility in equipment selection,” Nawrocki explained.
Sobkowiacz-Czarnecka Endorses Proposal
Asked for her government view, Sobkowiacz-Czarnecka deemed it “very good news.” “If there’s additional money, that’s excellent. I believe it’s superb for our military and security, as it seems we’ll get twice the money,” she added.
Prepared Military Spending List
Sobkowiacz-Czarnecka revealed a reserve list for spending, separate from the EU SAFE application seeking ~43.7 billion euro (~200 billion złoty). This reserve list details purchases totaling 15 billion euro (~80 billion złoty). She noted the president mentioned spending in the US, unlike EU SAFE funds spent in Europe.
“I can immediately provide the president with the list the General Staff prepared as a reserve for SAFE. If additional funds exist, this list is ready. It’s not a government list, but one from the General Staff,” she stressed.
Not a Veto, But Supplement
Sobkowiacz-Czarnecka clarified the “Polish SAFE zero percent” plan is not an alternative to EU SAFE but a supplement. She first learned of the proposal via the president’s press conference before her TV interview.
Parliamentary Status Update
Last Friday, the Sejm passed Senate amendments to the EU SAFE implementation law, including no budget funding for loan repayment by the Ministry of National Defence. The Senate also mandated anti-corruption and counter-intelligence oversight by ABW, SKW, and CBA. The law awaits the president’s signature, whose decision is uncertain.
