Nawrocki: Poland could finance defence without EU loans

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has discussed with central bank governor Adam Glapiński an alternative method of financing military equipment purchases. Under the proposal, Poland could use its own resources instead of participating in the European SAFE programme, which is intended to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities.

Nawrocki emphasised that the central bank has approximately PLN 185 billion at its disposal that could be used for defence spending without the need for long-term borrowing. According to him, such a model would give Poland greater flexibility in purchasing weapons, including the option of buying equipment outside the European Union.

The €150 billion SAFE programme is designed to help European countries finance the modernisation of their armed forces.

However, the initiative is causing political controversy in Poland, as part of the political spectrum rejects greater influence from Brussels over defence policy. The president is also considering whether to sign a law that would allow European funds to be used for defence.

(reuters, mja)