Poland signs first defense contracts under EU's €43.7 billion SAFE programme
Poland has signed its first contracts using EU SAFE funds, with deals worth up to 100 billion zloty planned by May 30. The programme provides €43.7 billion in defense loans for border security and military modernization.
Poland has begun signing the first defense contracts under the European Union's SAFE programme, which provides the country with €43.7 billion (185 billion zloty) in low-interest loans for defense and security spending. On May 28, the Ministry of National Defense announced several initial agreements, including a 3 billion zloty deal for cybersecurity systems and mobile laboratories for the Cyber Defence Forces (WOC).
Major deadline and scope
The Polish government is racing to finalize contracts by May 30, 2026—the EU deadline for single-country SAFE spending agreements. By the weekend, Poland plans to have signed dozens of contracts worth around 100 billion zloty in total. Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz called it unprecedented, stating "Never before have so many funds been allocated to the modernisation of the Polish Armed Forces in such a short time."
Priorities include the East Shield (Tarcza Wschód) project to strengthen defenses along Poland's borders with Russia and Belarus, a new anti-drone system, and equipment ranging from helmets and body armor to military trucks. The funds will be distributed and spent by 2030.
Political controversy
The programme has sparked domestic political debate. The right-wing opposition has raised concerns that loan terms are not transparent and that the mechanism grants the EU excessive influence over Poland's domestic affairs. In March, opposition-aligned President Karol Nawrocki vetoed a government bill designed to facilitate SAFE fund receipt and disbursement, though the government has found ways to proceed.
For foreigners in Poland: While this primarily concerns military policy, the massive infrastructure and defense spending may create job opportunities in technology, cybersecurity, and manufacturing sectors. The East Shield border fortification project, in particular, represents one of the largest construction undertakings in Poland's recent history and may impact employment and economic activity in eastern regions.
