Poland first in EU to secure billions for military modernisation

Poland is set to become the first European Union country to receive billions of euros in preferential loans for military modernisation under the EU’s SAFE program, with a key agreement scheduled to be signed in Warsaw on Friday, May 8.

According to RMF24, Poland will be the first of 19 participating countries to gain access to loans of up to €43.7 billion. The funds are intended to accelerate the rearmament of the Polish armed forces and support the development of the country’s defence industry.

The signing ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Finance Minister Andrzej Domański, as well as European Commissioners Piotr Serafin and Andrius Kubilius.

The SAFE program (Support for Ammunition and Firearms Control in Europe) was created to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities. Within this framework, Poland plans to conclude around 40 new arms supply contracts as early as May.

According to government data, approximately 89% of the funds will go to Polish defence companies, including MESKO, Huta Stalowa Wola, and Fabryka Broni “Łucznik.”

SAFE funding is designated exclusively for the procurement of ready-made weapons and equipment through 2030 and does not cover research and development.

In March, President Karol Nawrocki vetoed legislation related to the implementation of SAFE. However, the government later adopted a separate decision allowing the state development bank BGK to secure a loan for the Armed Forces Support Fund.

EU officials expect the SAFE program to become part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening Europe’s defence industry and reducing dependence on external arms suppliers.

By Tamilla Hasanova