Poland angry as European Commission pushes billions for Ukraine's defense
Photo: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Getty Images)
Poland is among the EU countries surprised by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's announcement of her intention to redirect unused funds from the SAFE defense program to joint projects with Ukraine. Warsaw itself was counting on receiving these funds for its own defense programs, according to RMF24.
Back in the summer, Polish authorities stated they planned to apply for the second phase of the SAFE program and receive the portion of funds that other countries had not managed to use to finance their own defense developments. Warsaw was already preparing specific projects for submission.
Now these plans are under threat: according to von der Leyen, the remaining SAFE funds are planned to be allocated not to EU countries, but to joint programs with the Ukrainian defense industry.
A diplomatic source in Brussels complained to a journalist from the Polish radio station RMF FM that there had been no prior consultations with member states regarding this decision.
The interlocutor indignantly stated that there had been no such discussion with the European Commission and that, at that time, it was the member states, rather than the European Commission, that were repaying the funds for the loan.
The essence of the grievance is simple: SAFE is not a grant, but a loan that EU countries take on and then repay themselves. Therefore, some capitals believe it is only logical that the states, not Brussels, should decide where the unused funds will go.
According to European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius, the exact amount is still being clarified, with an estimated €10-20 billion. The funds are planned to be directed toward joint defense developments between Ukraine and the EU, in particular for the FREYA air and missile defense system.
How much funding will actually remain unused is not yet known. EU countries have until the end of October to report on their projects - only then will it become clear how much funding will be freed up.
Previously, an unofficial figure of around €10 billion was mentioned. Italy, for example, has been allocated nearly €15 billion but has not yet signed an agreement for the full amount - they are weighing how the loan will affect the budget deficit. A similar situation exists with Hungary, which has been allocated approximately €16 billion.
Brussels sources commented that, for now, it was premature to make such plans, comparing the situation to dividing the skin of an unshot bear.
The EU also expressed a desire to create a European Security Council with Ukraine's participation - this was announced by Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tikhyi, who added that Kyiv is ready to take part in the new structure.
In addition, the European Union wants to offer Canada the status of the bloc's first-ever associate member - von der Leyen emphasized that Europe and Canada are united by common values.
The EU is also determined to significantly strengthen Ukraine's air defense - one of the key decisions involves creating a joint air defense system based on the Freyja project, which is accessible and modular.
