Polish President Karol Nawrocki has announced that he will veto legislation enabling Poland to participate in the European Union’s SAFE defense loan program, warning that the mechanism could burden the country with long-term debt and weaken national sovereignty in security matters.
The decision follows growing political debate in Poland over the EU initiative, which would allow Warsaw to access nearly €44 billion in loans intended to strengthen defense capabilities across Europe.
In a televised address, the president argued that the issue is not merely financial but also constitutional and strategic.
“The problem with the SAFE Euro-loan is not just about money. It is also about principles. Our security will not be solely in the hands of the Polish authorities.”
According to the president, the EU program includes mechanisms that could allow Brussels to suspend funding based on political conditions while leaving Poland responsible for repaying the debt.
“SAFE is a mechanism through which Brussels can withhold funding at will, based on the so-called principle of conditionality, and our country will still have to pay this debt.”
President Karol Nawrocki emphasized that security policy should remain firmly within the control of the Polish state. He raised concerns that the arrangement could conflict with constitutional provisions governing the transfer of sovereign powers to international institutions.
“Is a solution that could restrict the state’s sovereignty in security matters compatible with Poland’s Constitution?”
Under Poland’s constitution, certain competencies can be transferred to international organizations, but core elements of sovereignty—including control over the armed forces—must remain under national authority.
The president therefore announced that he would refuse to sign the legislation.
“I will never sign a law that threatens our sovereignty, independence, or economic and military security.”
Instead, the head of state called for support for an alternative plan known as “Polish SAFE 0%,” which would finance defense investments domestically without creating external debt obligations. The proposal is intended to provide comparable funding for military development while avoiding long-term liabilities.
The president also appealed for cross-party cooperation to strengthen the Polish Armed Forces while protecting national sovereignty.
“Poland must arm itself. Poland must build a strong army. Poland must be one of the pillars of security in Europe and NATO. But Poland must do this on its own terms.”
Concluding his address, the president stressed that national security must remain under the full control of the Polish state.
“Only a nation that can take care of its own security remains truly free.”
The veto is expected to deepen political tensions between the presidential palace and the government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, which strongly supports participation in the EU defense financing program.