Prime Minister Donald Tusk discussed Poland’s SAFE and KPO plans with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Cyprus, noting the presidential veto hinders reform implementation.
Tusk’s Discussions with von der Leyen
Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated after an informal meeting of EU leaders in Cyprus that he spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding Poland’s SAFE and KPO programs.
He acknowledged that the presidential veto complicates the implementation of certain reforms.
SAFE Funding and Debt Impact
Tusk reported receiving assurances from the Commission President and her team that they would do everything possible to accommodate “the Polish idea” for spending the loan.
The government’s proposal involves BGK taking out a loan from SAFE for the Armed Forces Support Fund, ensuring the loan does not affect Poland’s financial deficit, according to the Prime Minister, who expressed confidence in the proposal’s acceptance.
KPO Grant Utilization
Tusk added that discussions with von der Leyen also covered elements of the KPO. He emphasized the importance of utilizing all available funds, particularly grants.
“Everything that is a grant, we would like to use it one hundred percent,” he stated.
Presidential Veto and Polish Circumstances
The Prime Minister noted that the Commission appears to understand “Polish circumstances,” particularly regarding difficulties stemming from legal changes.
“We have a presidential veto on our necks, which makes it very difficult to implement some reforms,” Tusk said.
Presidential Veto of SAFE Implementation Law
In mid-March, President Karol Nawrocki vetoed the law implementing SAFE, which would have created a special fund for EU funds to be directed towards the military and other services like the Police and Border Guard.
In response, the government adopted a resolution regarding the Poland Armament Program, authorizing the Minister of National Defense, as well as the Minister of Finance and Economy, to sign agreements related to the SAFE loan.
The loan will be taken out by Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego for the Armed Forces Support Fund (FWSZ). (PAP)
