Poland's Sejm adopted the SAFE program to support the European defense industry, leading to political tensions with the ruling PiS party, which opposes the fund as a threat to national sovereignty.
On February 13, Poland's Sejm adopted the SAFE program, an EU initiative aimed at bolstering the European defense industry. This program positions Poland as the largest beneficiary, set to receive 43.7 billion euros in preferential loans from the European Investment Bank. The decision has attracted significant backlash from the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS), with leaders like Jarosław Kaczyński and Mariusz Błaszczak expressing concerns that such a fund undermines Poland's military sovereignty.
Kaczyński's remarks reflect a broader sentiment within PiS, suggesting that any support for the SAFE fund contradicts the party's commitment to a strong and independent military. This opposition intensifies the political landscape, where the party is known for its nationalistic stance. Alongside Kaczyński's criticisms, the prospect of President Karol Nawrocki's decision on signing the bill could lead him into precarious political waters, where refusing to endorse the legislation may lead to significant public backlash and allegations of compromising national defense.
Experts like Prof. Bartłomiej Biskup have highlighted the difficult situation Nawrocki faces, as his choice could be perceived as either aligning with national interests or succumbing to government pressure. The unfolding events regarding this defense funding initiative could have serious implications for both the internal dynamics of the ruling party and Poland's defense strategy moving forward, potentially leading to a significant confrontation between Nawrocki and PiS's leadership.
