08 May 2026 17:47

Poland has become the first country to receive funding under the European Union’s SAFE defence initiative after signing an agreement worth nearly €43.7 billion aimed at expanding and modernising its armed forces.

The agreement was signed in Warsaw on May 8 by Deputy Prime Minister and Defenve Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, Finance and Economy Minister Andrzej Domanski, European commissioners Andrius Kubilius and Piotr Serafin, as well as representatives of BGK Bank, Caliber.Az reports per Polish media.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the agreement as a “turning point in the history of Poland and the EU,” saying the funding would strengthen the country’s security by around 180 billion zlotys.

Tusk stressed that Poland remains committed to NATO and collective defence obligations while continuing to expand its military capabilities.

Defence Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz said additional defence contracts are expected to be signed in May and that the allocated funds have already been linked to specific military projects.

Finance Minister Domanski said the programme would also support the domestic defence sector by creating jobs and accelerating industrial modernisation.

According to General Weslaw Kukula, the Polish military plans to use the funding rapidly to strengthen operational readiness and defence capabilities.

The SAFE programme — Support for Ammunition and Firearms in Europe — is designed to accelerate arms procurement and reinforce Europe’s defence sector. Officials said approximately 89% of the funding allocated to Poland is expected to be directed toward the country’s domestic defence industry, with deliveries planned through 2030.

European Commissioner Kubilius said the initiative would help strengthen Europe’s defence sector while reducing administrative barriers for procurement and military production.

Lithuania, Hungary, and France are also expected to seek funding under the programme in the coming stages.

By Sabina Mammadli

Caliber.Az

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