EU ambassadors have approved Poland’s 139 defence projects under the €150 billion SAFE programme, paving the way for €44 billion in low-interest loans, with an initial €6.3 billion advance expected by April; this marks a milestone in EU-level arms financing amid heightened security concerns. Key projects include East Shield border security, drones, missiles, and cybersecurity, boosting Poland’s domestic industry while involving joint efforts with Ukraine and others.
EU Ambassadors Greenlight Polish Projects
EU ambassadors approved Polish defence projects for financing under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme on Tuesday, as reported in the TVP World article titled “U Council approves Poland’s SAFE defense funding plans”. This decision clears the path for formal endorsement by EU finance ministers next week in Brussels.
The European Commission had granted preliminary approval two weeks prior, according to details from Anadolu Agency correspondent in Warsaw, Daria Krasilnikova. Following procedural completion, Poland anticipates signing a loan agreement in March, with an advance of €6.3 billion (15% of the total) by late March or early April.
This approval positions Poland as the largest beneficiary, with funding for 139 projects totalling around €44 billion in low-interest loans repayable up to 2070 at approximately 3% interest, as stated by Polish government sources cited across multiple outlets.
SAFE Programme Overview
The SAFE programme, established in 2025, represents the EU’s first large-scale commitment to arms financing at the federal level, totalling €150 billion in low-interest loans for military procurement focused on European-produced equipment.
As explained by EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius in a Polish Radio report, “Europe was finally backing its security ambitions with adequate financial resources. We are no longer just drafting strategies; we are building a hard-power reality.” The initiative aims to modernise armed forces, strengthen defence industries, enhance border security, and reduce reliance on non-EU suppliers, mandating at least 65% of components from participating countries.
Poland submitted its plan on 29 November 2025, covering nearly 150 projects worth €43.7 billion, making it the biggest beneficiary, according to government’s SAFE pointwoman Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, as quoted in Polish Radio by journalist Grzegorz Sobczak:
“Great news from Brussels. Poland will be the biggest beneficiary of the SAFE programme.”
She added,
“Our investment plan covers nearly 150 projects, and I am pleased the Commission has positively assessed it.”
Key Projects and Funding Details
Poland’s projects encompass a wide array, including the East Shield border security initiative, unmanned aerial vehicles, anti-drone systems, large-calibre ammunition production, anti-aircraft missile systems, howitzers, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure protection, as detailed by Anadolu Agency. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk highlighted in November that SAFE would support aerospace projects, artificial intelligence for defence, cybersecurity, and the “Safe Baltic” programme, according to Kancelaria Premiera posts cited in Polish Radio.
Over 80% of funds are expected to stay in Poland, fostering the domestic defence industry, with Warsaw securing provisions to fund ongoing investments in the first year despite multi-country requirements. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated on MilMag.pl,
“The European Commission has issued a positive opinion on the documents submitted by Poland concerning the acquisition of funds from the SAFE program! We are getting closer to receiving nearly 44 billion EUR, which will be allocated to further investments in Poland’s security.”
Secretary of State Paweł Bejda added on social media, as reported by MilMag.pl,
“WE’VE GOT IT! The European Commission has positively assessed Poland’s documents for the SAFE program. We are getting closer to nearly 44 billion EUR for Poland’s security. What’s more, most of the funds will support the development of the Polish defense industry. Now it’s the Council of the European Union’s decision and the final signature.”
Deputy Minister Cezary Tomczyk echoed,
“Yes! Yes! Yes! The European Commission has given the green light to Poland’s plan for spending defense funds under the SAFE program. As a result, Poland will gain access to nearly 44 billion EUR, which will be allocated to the modernization of the armed forces, the defense industry, and national security.”
Economic and Security Boost
Finance Minister Andrzej Domański defended the programme on Polish Radio, stating there is no
“more effective and cheaper source of financing”
for modernising Poland’s armed forces, noting SAFE loans carry “ very low interest rates” and are “significantly cheaper” than Treasury bonds. Prime Minister Tusk described SAFE as
“crucial for Poland’s military security and will also boost its economy, with nearly EUR 44 billion earmarked for defence infrastructure and equipment.”
The Ministry of Interior and Administration announced massive support for Border Guard and Police, with part of the funds allocated accordingly, as per their November post:
“Gigantyczne wsparcie dla Straży Granicznej i Policji w ramach Programu SAFE.”
The Ministry of National Defence posted, “SAFE to inwestycja w bezpieczeństwo Polski i całej Europy.”
Approval Process and Other Countries
The Commission’s approval on 26 January 2026 followed initial nods for eight countries on 16 January, with EU ambassadors’ endorsement advancing Poland’s plan, as per TVP World and Anadolu Agency. Other approvals on the same day included Estonia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Finland, bringing totals to plans worth €74 billion in the second wave, according to Euronews.
Nineteen EU countries participate, with Hungary, France, and Czech Republic pending; the Council has four weeks for final adoption. Non-EU nations like Norway, Switzerland, Britain, Canada, and Ukraine are eligible; 15 countries, including Poland, plan joint projects with Ukraine to bolster its defence.
In Poland, parliament advanced enabling legislation, passing the lower house despite PiS opposition. PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński urged President Karol Nawrocki to veto, claiming “powerful political implications” and consolidation under “German leadership.” President Nawrocki noted “some concerns remained” post-National Security Council but saw it as a “significant opportunity,” cautioning against “excessive optimism.”
Broader Context and Reactions
SAFE forms part of the EU’s Readiness 2030 package, injecting billions into defence by decade’s end amid intelligence estimates of potential Russian attacks, as per Euronews. Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka told Defence24.pl that Poland sets a “record-breaking standard for European defense,” with many countries observing.
TVP World also reported EU adoption of SAFE allowing €150 billion for defence purchases by members and allies, separate from a €6 billion Covid fund shift for non-armament defence like shelters. This development underscores Europe’s shift towards self-reliant security amid Russian threats and US uncertainties.
The Polish government views this as a turning point, per gov.pl:
“SAFE: A turning point for the security of Poland and Europe.”
With ambassadorial approval, Poland edges closer to unlocking funds critical for its strategic position on NATO’s eastern flank.
