SAFE Will Ensure Poland’s Security

Recently, many myths and inaccuracies have appeared around the EU SAFE programme. Political disputes have also influenced the assessment of the project, although such disputes should not concern matters of state security.

“We are presenting detailed information about the programme today due to the ongoing emotions surrounding SAFE. We want political disputes to interfere as little as possible with a real assessment of what Poland and Europe need in terms of their own security,” Donald Tusk emphasised at the PIT-RADWAR defence company in Kobyłka near Warsaw.

Poland can no longer wait, rapid and decisive strengthening of state security is necessary.

“A well-armed Poland, as self-reliant as possible and at the same time cooperating with allies in a modern way, this is the absolute number one priority. There is no more important issue today. Every month, week, and hour will affect the level of our security, that of the region, and the entire world,” the Prime Minister noted.

Poland is the largest beneficiary of the SAFE programme. Approximately €43.7 billion (nearly PLN 200 billion) may be obtained to boost our security.

Three Myths About SAFE

The first myth concerning SAFE is the belief that the programme was imposed from outside and threatens Polish sovereignty.

“SAFE was designed in Poland from start to finish. It was our initiative, idea, and pressure. We persuaded our partners, and it was not easy, that the EU must radically increase the defence of its member states and generate massive funds to rearm EU armies. SAFE therefore serves Polish sovereignty. We told Brussels what this project should look like, not the other way around,” the head of government explained.

The second myth concerns the so-called conditionality attached to spending SAFE funds.

“It is a mechanism that safeguards projects against corruption or the misuse of funds. Only where we have clear law and anti-corruption safeguards can we be certain that funds will not be wasted. This mechanism should be defended by the opposition, as it is one of the real instruments for controlling the government in terms of spending,” the Prime Minister noted.

The third myth is the belief that Germany, not Poland, will benefit from the programme.

“We are talking about nearly PLN 200 billion for our country, a staggering amount. Well over 80% of the funds, according to assessments by experts, generals, and state institutions, will serve Poland and our companies. It is a major injection of capabilities, funding, and technology for the domestic defence industry and all cooperating entities. Do you know how much the so-called German industry will benefit from the SAFE programme implemented in Poland? It is 0.37%!” Donald Tusk stated.

Nearly 12,000 companies cooperating with the Polish defence industry will benefit from SAFE. These enterprises operate in all voivodeships and almost every county in Poland.

“This will be one of the breakthrough impulses for the development of the Polish economy. Thirty-six percent of the nearly PLN 200 billion will go to the most advanced technologies, satellites, space, cybernetics, drones, and anti-drone technologies,” the Prime Minister listed.

SAFE will not limit Polish spending in the United States or cooperation with American allies.

“We will be an even better ally, precisely thanks to SAFE. And the well over PLN 100 billion that we intended to spend on equipment and technological capabilities from the United States will be spent regardless,” the head of government assured.

Through SAFE, Poland will implement a “win-win” strategy, benefiting Polish defence, domestic industry, and the interests of our allies.

SAFE Will Strengthen the Eastern Shield

Poland is currently building a defence system on its eastern border to protect against potential Russian aggression. Thanks to SAFE funds, this project can be significantly reinforced.

“We are building the safest military border in Europe, and perhaps in the world, for enormous sums. So far, €10 billion has been planned for the Eastern Shield together with our allies: Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. SAFE will be largely dedicated to the Eastern Shield. It is a genuine shield against the threat of Russian aggression,” the Prime Minister explained.

The Eastern Shield has been formally approved as part of the strategy of the United States, NATO, and the EU.

“It is worth continuing, also because it has become a joint undertaking of all allies in the North Atlantic Alliance. I once again appeal to all those who are waiting, there is no point in waiting! All of Poland is waiting for these funds, so swift decisions are needed,” Donald Tusk stressed.

SAFE will strengthen not only Poland’s military security but also cooperation with allies, making Poland an even stronger link in Europe’s and NATO’s defence system.

SAFE: Support for the Armed Forces, Services, and Infrastructure

SAFE funds will be spent on military needs, support for the Police and Border Guard, and protection of cyberspace. Funds will also be allocated to air defence and counter-drone systems.

“SAFE is not a political programme but a patriotic one. It is a zone of security and development that fulfils the dreams of past generations about a free Poland. Without this programme, we have no other way to build a stronger army and better equip soldiers in such a short time,” assessed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.

Poland currently has the third-largest army in NATO but, due to the Russian threat, is implementing a plan for a 500,000-strong force that will require equipment financed under SAFE.

Services subordinate to the Ministry of the Interior and Administration will also benefit.

“The SAFE programme is an investment in our daily security. The Polish Police, Border Guard, and State Protection Service will also benefit. They designed the programme and decided what would be purchased to enhance the country’s security. Thanks to SAFE, these services will receive an additional PLN 7 billion,” informed Minister of the Interior and Administration Marcin Kierwiński.

SAFE will also support the development of Polish road and rail infrastructure.

“Thanks to SAFE, we can do even more on Polish railways and roads. These projects meet military mobility requirements, but all Poles, domestic companies, and our economy will benefit,” emphasised Minister of Infrastructure Dariusz Klimczak.

Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, Government Plenipotentiary for the Instrument for Increasing European Security, indicated that the largest share of defence funding under SAFE will go to artillery systems, air and missile defence, anti-drone systems, ground combat, and support systems.

“The plan includes dozens of investments. It is over PLN 180 billion that will be spent in the Polish defence industry. The European Union has never before allocated such funds to defence programmes,” she assessed.

Deputy Minister of National Defence Cezary Tomczyk stated that 89% of SAFE funds will go to defence companies such as PIT-RADWAR, the developer of the SAN anti-drone system.

“The SAN system is the foundation of anti-drone protection for the borders of the Republic of Poland. It consists of 18 batteries deployed along the eastern and northern borders of our country,” he emphasised.

He added that SAFE funds will also benefit companies such as CENZIN, MESKO, Military Aviation Works No. 1 in Łódź, Military Electronic Works in Zielonka, the “Łucznik” Arms Factory in Radom, Huta Stalowa Wola, “Dezamet” Metal Works, and “Tarnów” Mechanical Works.

Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, General Wiesław Kukuła, stressed that SAFE will significantly accelerate the transformation of the armed forces after years of underfunding.

“The list of planned purchases under SAFE was drawn from the technical modernisation plan and urgent operational needs. It was prepared by a team of my officers, in whom I have full confidence,” General Kukuła assured.

The SAFE programme is not only an investment in the armed forces and services, but above all in the security of the entire country and Poland’s future.