Poland to receive €44 Billion from EU to strengthen defence
Poland will receive nearly €44 billion from the European Union (EU) for the Eastern Shield security programme and other national security initiatives, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced.
The funding will be provided as a low-interest loan under the SAFE programme. Almost €44 billion will be directed toward projects directly linked to national security.
Tusk emphasized that “unequivocal agreement has finally been reached across Europe that the Eastern Shield, like our eastern border, is the shared responsibility of the entire European Union.” He noted that Europe now views this region as a place where European funds, not just Polish money, are invested.
The funds will be allocated to several key areas, including:
- The Eastern Shield programme;
- Roads and railways directly related to national security;
- Space projects, artificial intelligence development, and cybersecurity;
- Equipment for the military, border guards, and police.
The Eastern Shield, a project of the Polish Ministry of Defence and the General Staff, involves constructing fortifications and other defence infrastructure along the borders with Russia and Belarus. Construction began in early November.
By 2028, the project aims to deploy reconnaissance and threat detection systems, forward bases, logistics hubs, warehouses, and anti-drone systems across approximately 800 km². PLN 10 billion (about €2.3 billion) has already been allocated.
