Karol Nawrocki Says Veto On Law On European Loans For Poland's Rearmament
- 13.03.2026, 12:21
Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a Plan B to bypass the veto.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki has decided to avow legislation to participate in the EU's SAFE program, under which Poland is claiming about 44 billion euros in rearmament loans.
The Polish president said this in an address on Thursday evening, RMF 24.
Nawrocki said he would not sign the law, which affects Poland's sovereignty, independence, economic and military security. "I have decided not to sign the law that allows Poland to take out a SAFE loan," the president said.
He added that the case has aroused a lot of emotions, "but the responsibility for the state is to look at the facts beyond current politics. The SAFE case is about the future of the Polish state."
Nawrocki added that from the beginning, the SAFE program raised many questions. One of the risks, he said, is that it is a huge loan taken in foreign currency. According to him, Poles will have to pay back twice as much, and Western banks and financial institutions will make money from it.
"I warn that any attempts to illegally attract foreign loans for our country will sooner or later meet both political and legal responsibility," the Polish president added.
He noted that he presented "a real alternative to the SAFE euro loan." "This is Poland's SAFE 0%. This draft is already in the Sejm," the president reminded.
Poland could receive about 44 billion euros in loan funds from the EU and invest them in military modernization.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that the government would adopt a resolution that would bypass President Karol Nawrocki's veto regarding the country's participation in the EU's SAFE rearmament program.
The Polish prime minister said this before a cabinet meeting, Onet reported.
Tusk called an extraordinary meeting of his cabinet, at which officials will approve the resolution. The document should pave the way for Poland's participation in the SAFE program, under which the country qualifies for some 44 billion euros in rearmament loans.
"It will be more difficult, sometimes slower, and it will take much more effort to convince everyone involved in this project because there will be no relevant regulations. We will have to rely on our own strength, energy and determination, but we will do it," the prime minister said.
Tusk also revealed that he had received calls from European leaders who were trying to find out the reasons why the Polish president vetoed the embodiment of the EU program.
"We explained every day that Europe must shoulder the burden of financing European security.... Everywhere in Europe is wondering what has happened and how this is possible. Only Russian newspapers are showing complete understanding of the president's veto. I will not hint at anything here, but the facts are absolutely devastating for the reputation of the Polish president," the head of the government emphasized.