Poland signs a huge loan agreement with the EU through the SAFE program: 44 billion euros for the modernization of the army
Poland on Friday became the first country to sign a loan agreement with the European Commission to finance the modernization of its army and arms industry, receiving around 44 billion euros.
“This is a crucial moment in the history of Poland, as well as of the European Union,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said during the signing of the agreement.
“This is a gigantic amount that will be invested directly in Polish security, the Polish arms industry, Polish companies that collaborate with the arms industry and in our technological capabilities,” the Polish prime minister also said, according to EFE, Reuters and Agerpres news agencies.
“Poland will be safer in these difficult and high-risk times,” highlighted the Polish Prime Minister.
The most populous state on NATO's eastern flank, Poland is the alliance country that spends the most on its defense, in relative terms, with 4.8% of GDP.
Poland, the main beneficiary of the SAFE programme
The European Union's Security Action For Europe (SAFE) program, created in 2025, makes available 150 billion euros in the form of preferential loans to finance joint projects in the field of defense, the purchase of weapons or ammunition, as well as the development of critical infrastructures.
Through this €43.7 billion loan, Poland is the main beneficiary of the program designed for European countries seeking to revive their defense industry to face the Russian threat and the risk of a US withdrawal.
“It is also the day when Europe (…) shows that it has learned the lessons of history and is ready (…) to take on much greater responsibility for our security,” commented Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The agreement was signed by the Polish finance and defense ministers, as well as European Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin and Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius.
Poland's government pressed ahead with the SAFE program despite a veto by the country's nationalist president, Karol Nawrocki, highlighting a deep row over the debt and the role Brussels should play in the security of a politically divided country.
Poland has placed large orders for tanks, artillery and air defense systems, while also looking to expand domestic production in partnership with foreign manufacturers.
