Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced that Poland will move forward with securing European Union defense funds from the SAFE program, despite a legislative veto by President Karol Nawrocki, which Tusk described as politically motivated.

Presidential Veto of SAFE Program

President Karol Nawrocki vetoed legislation for the Strategic Armament Financing Europe program, which offers zero-interest EU loans for defense.

Government's Determination

Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated the government will find ways to utilize the funds and plans to sign the agreement with the European Commission in April 2026.

Political Conflict

Tusk accused Jarosław Kaczyński of influencing the President's decision, calling the current legislative obstruction 'sick'.

Presidency Warning

The Polish Presidency warned that any attempts to circumvent the constitutional veto are unacceptable and must be respected.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Friday that Poland will proceed with securing European Union defense funds despite a veto from President Karol Nawrocki on the SAFE program legislation. The Prime Minister reacted sharply to the presidential block, describing the political situation as "shocking" and "sick" during a public address. Tusk specifically accused Jarosław Kaczyński, the leader of the opposition, of exerting direct influence over the president's decision-making process regarding national security. The SAFE program is intended to provide Poland with significant financial resources for armament. „To jest chore!” (This is sick!) — Donald Tusk via polityka.se.pl

President Karol Nawrocki, who assumed office on August 6, 2025, officially vetoed the bill on Thursday evening during a televised address to the nation. The Kancelaria Prezydenta subsequently issued a statement warning that any attempts by the government to bypass or circumvent the legal weight of the veto would be considered unacceptable. Tusk countered this by claiming that the president was not acting independently in his role as head of state. According to the Prime Minister, Jarosław Kaczyński has been effectively directing the president's actions. „He led Nawrocki by the hand” (He led Nawrocki by the hand) — Donald Tusk via TVN24

The Polish government intends to finalize the agreement with the European Commission regarding the SAFE initiative in early April 2026. Prime Minister Tusk signaled that his administration would seek alternative legal pathways to ensure the defense modernization remains on track, stating that Poland should not "bother" with the obstacles created by the veto. The program, frequently referred to as "SAFE 0 percent," is viewed by the cabinet as a vital tool for maintaining military liquidity. Karol Nawrocki was elected President of Poland in 2025, succeeding Andrzej Duda, while Donald Tusk has served as Prime Minister since late 2023. The SAFE program is part of a broader European Union effort to bolster defense capabilities following increased security risks in Eastern Europe. Historically, the Polish political system has frequently experienced friction during periods of cohabitation when the President and Prime Minister represent opposing political factions. This dispute marks one of the first major legislative confrontations between the Tusk government and the Nawrocki presidency.

The conflict highlights a deepening rift between the executive branches over the control of multi-billion euro defense loans. While the presidency maintains that the veto is a necessary check on government policy, the Prime Minister has vowed that the military expansion will not be halted by domestic political disputes. 0 (percent) — interest rate on SAFE defense loans SAFE Program Dispute 2026: — ; — ; — ; —