The Sejm decided. Billions of euros will go to Poland

The Sejm passed the act on the implementation of the SAFE program. The project was adopted by a majority of votes, which means that Poland is formally joining the implementation of the EU mechanism for financing defense investments.

The vote took place after earlier work in committees. On Thursday, the parliamentary finance and national defense committees issued a negative opinion on the amendments submitted by Law and Justice to the draft law implementing the SAFE program. Ultimately, however, the bill itself received the support of the majority of MPs.

What is the SAFE program?

The SAFE program assumes taking out low-interest loans that are intended to enable member states to quickly increase spending on their own defense. The funds are to be used primarily for purchases of military equipment from European manufacturers.

The aim of the program is to accelerate the modernization of the armed forces in European Union countries and to strengthen the European arms industry. The financial mechanism is intended to facilitate the implementation of investments without the need to immediately burden national budgets with high costs.

Poland is the biggest beneficiary

Of the total pool of EUR 150 billion to be mobilized under the SAFE program, Poland is to receive approximately EUR 43.7 billion. This is the largest amount among all countries participating in the program.

The adoption of the act by the Sejm opens the way to using these funds for defense investments, in particular for the purchase of military equipment produced in Europe. The SAFE program is intended to enable a rapid increase in defense potential using preferential financing conditions.

The decision of the Sejm means the formal implementation of the program in Poland and the commencement of the next stage of activities related to the use of funds provided for in the EU mechanism.