5:11 18 February 2026
EU backs Polish SAFE
EU member states have approved Poland’s participation in the €150 billion SAFE defense program, concluding the bloc’s review of Warsaw’s plan. Poland will receive €43.7 billion in low-interest loans to finance 139 military procurement projects, largely sourced from European manufacturers.
The loans carry a 3% interest rate, with repayment starting after 10 years and spread over 45 years. Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government calls the scheme a rare chance to modernize the armed forces with limited debt-servicing costs. According to earlier analysis, issuing domestic bonds would cost roughly 0.7 percentage points more.
Opposition politicians and President Karol Nawrocki warn of a potential “debt trap” and possible political leverage from Brussels, citing past disputes over EU funds. The government insists project details must remain confidential for security reasons.
SAFE aims to strengthen EU defense capabilities and reduce reliance on U.S. arms. Similar plans were approved for several other member states.
