The Polish Senate has approved amendments to the SAFE legislation aimed at enhancing military support for EU member states, which will now return to the Sejm before being sent to the president for final approval.
On February 19, the Polish Senate voted to approve amendments to the legislation implementing the EU's SAFE mechanism for military support. This move is intended to bolster the security of EU member states amid increasing global tensions. The amendments received strong support, with 61 senators in favor and 26 against, indicating a significant consensus regarding the importance of this legislation.
One of the key changes made by the Senate is related to the financing of loan repayments under the SAFE program. Rather than drawing funds from the Ministry of Defense's budget, which could have strained military spending, the amendments stipulate that these funds will come from a special reserve created in the state budget. Importantly, this will ensure that such expenditures do not count towards the minimum spending threshold for defense, allowing Poland's military budget to operate with greater flexibility.
The proposed amendments also include the introduction of mandatory oversight measures, which aim to ensure transparency and accountability within the implementation of the SAFE program. As the bill returns to the Sejm for consideration, it remains crucial to observe how this legislation will evolve and its implications for Poland's military strategy and obligations to the EU community.
