On 11 February, deputy prime minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz took part in a conference in Warsaw on the implementation of the SAFE programme, organized by Portal Obronny – the ZPR Group. Representatives from the government, defence industry sector and experts in the field also participated.

- The SAFE programme does not limit our possibilities – the SAFE programme increases them. The strategy of our government, my political party PSL has also presented it during the campaign, is clear: 50% of spending in Poland, 50% at our allies. It cannot be done without a radical acceleration in investments in the Polish defence industry and procurement in Poland, both in private and state-owned companies. Another thing that’s changed is treating private and state-owned industry as equals. This is complemented by yet another element that remains completely unnoticed – that money in the SAFE programme is also funding other European countries, who will make purchases in Europe, including in Poland, for example equipment like the “Piorun”, “Wizjer”, “Borsuk”, “Baobab”, the mine-laying system. So SAFE has two meanings: increasing the defensive potential and the potential of the Polish defence industry. Poland needs both, in both of them we need investment and equipment compatible with Europe and America – and that is what we will get

- noted the minister of defence during the discussion.

The minister of defence has stressed the meaning SAFE funds have for the country’s security.

- The Russian threat is present everywhere, not just in the countries along the border. That is why the SAFE programme is a priority. We are here today with minister Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, who is directly responsible for the application of this instrument and its implementation in Poland. Because this programme is not just for the Armed Forces. I want to underscore a very important element: the programme also applies to the Ministry of the Interior and Administration – especially the Border Guard, Police, infrastructure, cross-border connections and military mobility, which couldn’t be used without roads or railways

- noted the minister.

The aim of the „SAFE – what next?” conference was to portray a full picture of the SAFE programme, discussing its objectives and meaning for developing the national defence industry. The conference was a space to exchange knowledge and experience between the administration, private sector and experts, with special focus on the strategic and operational aspects of the programme’s implementation. The event was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of National Defence.

- We have another task ahead of us, which we have already set out: to use the SAFE programme in order for Poland to become a place where other countries can procure their armaments, for us to have our export hits, to interest other member states in our products. (…). We want a portion of the funds that other countries receive to end up in Poland to some extent. This is our plan for the coming months

- noted the government’s plenipotentiary, Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, during the discussion.