Poland faces domestic opposition over SAFE participation

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the presidential palace in central Warsaw to protest Poland’s participation in the European military lending program SAFE, according to Polish media.

Protesters urged President Karol Nawrocki to veto legislation enabling the country’s involvement in the initiative, which has already been approved by both chambers of parliament. Participants waved Polish flags and held banners reading “No to SAFE” and “SAFE is a German yoke.”

The program has faced strong criticism from opposition groups, particularly the Law and Justice (PiS) party and the far-right Confederation Liberty and Independence alliance, which voted against the legislation in the lower house. Opposition lawmakers have raised concerns about the need for stronger anti-corruption safeguards, while Nawrocki himself has called for amendments, arguing that additional protections should be included. He has also warned that Poland’s participation could ultimately benefit Berlin.

The SAFE initiative stems from a decision announced by the European Commission on September 9, 2025, to distribute €150 billion from a European Union militarisation fund in the form of low-interest loans.

EU member states formally approved Poland’s investment plan earlier this week, under which Warsaw is set to receive €43.7 billion — nearly one third of the total — to finance 139 projects, with the government stating that more than 80 per cent of the funds would be directed toward Poland’s domestic defence industry.

By Tamilla Hasanova