Polish president Nawrocki vetoes law unlocking €44bn in EU defence loans
Polish President Nawrocki Blocks €44 Billion EU Defence Loan Law
Karol Nawrocki, Poland’s president, has rejected a legislative proposal to tap into the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, which would have provided nearly €44 billion in defence loans. This decision has intensified a disagreement with Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s pro-EU coalition over the country’s financial strategy for military spending.
The legislation proposed granting Warsaw access to the €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, designed to enhance military spending and fortify the continent’s defence sector. Poland was anticipated to receive approximately €43.7 billion in loans, positioning it as the program’s primary recipient.
Tusk’s pro-EU coalition backed the legislation, asserting that the loans would offer advantageous funding to speed up Poland’s military upgrades amid increased security threats after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Officials noted the funds could aid various defence initiatives, such as bolstering the eastern border and expanding local arms manufacturing.
Nawrocki, aligned with the conservative opposition, contended that EU loans might heighten Poland’s reliance on Brussels. He suggested utilizing domestic resources, such as central bank profits, to fund military investments. The move sparked immediate backlash from government members.
“The President lost his chance to act like a patriot,” wrote Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on X, calling the veto a missed opportunity to secure EU financing for defence investment. Tusk also announced a special cabinet meeting to unveil alternative steps for approving the loan.
Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski warned on social media that blocking access to the EU mechanism could weaken Poland’s ability to bolster its defence capabilities. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz defended the government’s plan, claiming the EU loans would enable Poland to increase military spending without adding pressure on the national budget.
