Senators approve bill to help Poland access EU defence funds
Polish senators on Thursday approved a key national security bill that can help the country access billions in funds under the European Union’s SAFE defence investment programme. It is reported by Upmp.news with reference to “Polskie Radio”.
The measure passed in a 61-26 vote with no abstentions in the upper house of parliament, Poland’s PAP news agency reported.
The legislation, which was earlier backed by the lower chamber of Poland’s bicameral parliament, now reverts to the lower house for a final vote after the Senate made several modifications to the original proposal.
The measure is then expected to head to President Karol Nawrocki for signing into law.
However, Nawrocki, a Eurosceptic conservative allied with the opposition, has voiced doubts about the legislation, making it uncertain if it takes effect.
Opposition lawmakers have cited concerns including the need for stronger anti-corruption safeguards.
The right-wing opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party and the far-right Confederation group voted against the proposal in the lower house last Friday.
PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński said on Monday that Nawrocki should veto the bill, arguing that SAFE has “powerful political implications” and is aimed at uniting Europe “under the German boot.”
Government officials have said that swift enactment of the law is essential for national security.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Thursday urged the opposition not to block the country’s access to funds under the SAFE programme, warning that doing so would strike “at the very heart” of national security.
The bill provides for the creation of a special fund managed by state development bank BGK to handle the EU money and finance projects.
The Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme provides up to EUR 150 billion in low-interest loans for military procurement, largely focused on equipment produced in Europe.
It is intended to strengthen EU defence capabilities and reduce reliance on US-made weapons.
EU member states on Tuesday formally approved Poland’s SAFE investment plan, under which Warsaw is set to receive EUR 43.7 billion in loans for 139 projects.
The government has said more than 80 percent of the funds would be spent within Poland’s defence industry.
(gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, TVP Info