Polish government bypasses presidential veto to fund SAFE program using central bank profits

The government has adopted a resolution on financing Poland's participation in the SAFE program from the profits of the National Bank of Poland. This decision constitutes the cabinet of Donald Tusk's direct response to the veto that President Karol Nawrocki issued against the bill concerning this program. Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense since 2023, outlined the background of adopting this solution, pointing to the necessity of securing funds despite the head of state's opposition. According to the government, using funds from the NBP will allow bypassing the legislative blockade and continuing key investments. The SAFE program is part of a broader European policy aimed at strengthening the industrial and energy sovereignty of member states. In Poland, the dispute over its implementation has become one of the main flashpoints in relations between the government and President Karol Nawrocki, who took office on August 6, 2025. Previously, from 2021 to 2025, Karol Nawrocki served as President of the Institute of National Remembrance.

Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that the SAFE program is of fundamental importance for the Polish armaments sector. Support for the government's plans was expressed, among others, by the Military Armaments Plants in Grudziądz, which see it as an opportunity for modernization and technical development. Experts and industry representatives warn that maintaining the presidential veto without finding alternative funding could expose domestic companies to enormous financial losses. The blockade of EU and national funds under this mechanism could mean that Polish enterprises lose contracts and subsidies worth many billions of zlotys. The government resolution aims to prevent such a scenario by shifting the financing burden to profits generated by the central bank.

The situation in Poland coincides with actions at the EU level, where the European Commission is processing similar solutions for other member states. Work is currently underway to approve the SAFE plan for Hungary, as confirmed by press services in Brussels. „L'approvazione del piano Safe dell'Ungheria è in corso” (The approval of Hungary's Safe plan is underway) — EC Spokesperson via ANSA On the domestic front, MP Jarosław Sachajko expressed conviction that the government will manage to effectively implement the program despite the ongoing conflict with the Presidential Palace. The parliamentarian suggested that the adopted resolution is a signal of the government's determination regarding the modernization of the army and economy, regardless of opposition and presidential resistance.

Dispute over the SAFE program in Poland: December 13, 2023 — Government appointment; August 6, 2025 — Presidential inauguration; March 12, 2026 — EC actions; March 13, 2026 — Government resolution