Poland is set to become the single largest beneficiary of the European Union’s new SAFE programme, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced ahead of Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting. The scheme will provide access to highly preferential—effectively near-zero-cost—financing that can be used to strengthen national security, modernise defence technologies and support key infrastructure projects.
“The SAFE programme is one that the Polish defence industry will benefit from, and in its most important version for us—highly innovative and advantageous for the entire economy,” Prime Minister Tusk said. He noted that months of negotiations, including during Poland’s EU Council presidency, resulted in the programme’s adoption.
Under the initiative, nearly €44 billion will be available for investments linked to national defence, including the flagship East Shield (Tarcza Wschód) project. Funding may also be directed toward road and rail projects essential for state security.
“We have finally obtained Europe’s clear acceptance that the East Shield, just like our eastern border, is a shared obligation of the entire European Union. Europe now sees this area as one where European—not only Polish—money must be invested,” Tusk said.
In addition to infrastructure and defence readiness, SAFE funds will support space technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and equipment for the Armed Forces, Border Guard and Police.
Government Finalising Purchase of Three Submarines Under the Orka Programme
Prime Minister Tusk also announced that the government is finalising the purchase of three modern submarines for the Polish Navy under the Orka programme—an acquisition awaited “for many long years” by naval personnel and security experts alike.
The Council of Ministers has endorsed the proposal submitted by the Kingdom of Sweden, whose offer received the highest evaluation and was the only one to fully meet the Polish Navy’s requirements.
The submarine contract will significantly strengthen Poland’s position in the Baltic Sea and enhance overall national security. According to the government, the deal will also include investments in the Polish shipbuilding sector. Maintenance work on the vessels will be performed in Poland, and the country will receive guaranteed access to training opportunities on an identical submarine before its own units are delivered—a “gap filler” solution that will accelerate crew preparedness.
Tusk on ECJ Ruling on Same-Sex Marriages: “No One Can Impose Anything on Us”
The Prime Minister also addressed Monday’s ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union concerning the recognition of same-sex marriages entered into by Polish citizens in other EU member states.
“First of all, the European Union cannot impose anything on us in this matter. We are working on our own legal regulations that will reflect what the majority of Poles, through their parliamentary representatives, deem appropriate,” Tusk said.
He stressed that work on a new “closest person status” bill is progressing smoothly and will be finalised soon.
The government, he added, remains committed to maintaining Poland’s strong position in the EU—“which means respecting rulings of European courts, but also ensuring that on matters within national competence, it is Polish law that decides.”
