Poland will use EU funds to launch defence and security project
Poland will set up a Defence and Security Fund using PLN 30 billion (EUR 7.2 bln) from the EU's National Recovery Plan (KPO), the funds minister has announced.
"This is an official piece of news: Poland is the first country in Europe to launch a Defence and Security Fund which will be financed from the EU's National Recovery Plan (KPO)," Minister of Funds and Regional Policy Katarzyna Pelczynska-Nalecz wrote on the X platform after a government meeting on Tuesday.
"We will make investments worth billions of Polish zlotys in shelters, dual-use infrastructure and the development of Polish armaments producers," she said, adding that plans also provide for the development of domestic industries and new technology research.
Pelczynska-Nalecz also said that her ministry was initiating discussions with the European Commission regarding the establishment of a new fund, and that, within the next two months, it would prepare an investment plan for the fund in cooperation with the Ministry of National Defence.
The fund is to receive PLN 30 billion (EUR 7.2 bln) from the KPO.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said before a cabinet meeting that EU funds would finance Poland's defence capabilities.
Tusk spoke about instruments that help build Poland's security, such as the requisite training, and the setting up of Shield East, NATO's eastern border defence system.
He added that preparations the government was making for the larger defence capabilities of Poland and Europe, were to serve to repel the aggressor and prevent war.
By using funds from the EU's National Recovery Plan (KPO), Poland will be able to build tools for financing defence capabilities. "By building a fund instrument, the Defence and Security Fund, we guarantee that... European funds will also effectively serve our defence," Tusk said.
He added that training, as well as the construction of Shield East and the huge investments in modernising the Polish army, investments in the Polish defence industry and strengthening alliances, are to prevent war from reaching our borders.
"All this averts the danger of war and is an action for peace and lasting security of Poles," Tusk said.
The KPO is intended to strengthen the Polish economy. Funds from the programme are to help Poland achieve its previously set goals faster, implement new investments, accelerate economic growth, and increase employment. Under the programme, Poland is set to receive a total of EUR 59.8 billion, including EUR 25.27 billion in non-repayable grants and EUR 34.54 billion in preferential loans. (PAP)
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