The SAFE program is waiting for Karol Nawrocki's decision. Billions are at stake for Poland
The EU SAFE program provides EUR 150 billion of support, of which Poland, as the largest beneficiary, can count on funding for 139 projects with a total value of EUR 43.7 billion.. These funds are to be used for the modernization of the army, including the purchase of military equipment produced in Europe.
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Key decisions before the president. Andrzej Domański comments
During Thursday's meeting in Brussels, Minister Domański expressed his belief that SAFE is the most beneficial solution for Polish taxpayers and the economy. As he noted, the program will not only bring billions in savings, but will also create new jobs in the defense industry. “This is over 80 percent of the SAFE program that will be used in Poland” – he said. He added that he could not imagine the president not signing the act implementing the program.
On Friday, the Sejm will vote on the Senate's amendments to the bill. After their adoption, the president will have 21 days to make a decision – he can sign the act, refuse to sign it or refer it to the Constitutional Tribunal. In the event of a legislative veto, the Sejm may reject the decision of the head of state by a 3/5 majority of votes.
Read also: The future of the EU in this hour of testing depends on Poland. SAFE is not enough [OPINIA]
“Poles must know the costs” – President Nawrocki's appeal
President Nawrocki, speaking during the annual briefing of the management of the Ministry of National Defense and the Polish Armed Forces, emphasized that security requires certainty. He drew attention to the need for transparency in the financing of the SAFE program and called for the disclosure of a detailed list of projects covered by funding. “This is a huge debt that will be repaid by the Polish state for decades.” – he noted, pointing to the need for an honest debate.
The head of the Ministry of National Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, reassured that Poland's sovereignty was not at risk. He recalled that Poland successfully uses EU funds in other areas and has never been accused of dishonesty in their use. He added that the amendments to the bill adopted by the Senate, including the provision excluding the Ministry of National Defense from financing loans, increase the transparency of the program.
Read also: What about the SAFE Act? Karol Nawrocki said a lot, but not the most important thing
The government's plan B
The government's plenipotentiary for the SAFE program, Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, announced that Donald Tusk's cabinet plans to sign the loan agreement in the second half of March. At the same time, she emphasized that if the president does not sign the act, the government has prepared a plan B – implementing the program in a reduced version through a regulation. “We will wait for the president's decision” – said Domański.
The SAFE program, which is part of the EU strategy to strengthen defense, raises not only emotions but also political tensions in Poland. In the background, there is an ongoing debate about the costs, liabilities and role of Poland in the European security system. President Karol Nawrocki's decision may determine the future of the program and its impact on the national economy and defense.
