PM Tusk vows to pursue EU defense loans despite veto

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk pledged to pursue access to 843.7 billion ($50.1 billion) in defense loans under the European Union's SAFE initiative, despite a veto from President Karol Nawrocki. The SAFE program, worth 8150 billion overall, aims to strengthen Europe's defense capabilities amid reduced U.S. engagement. Poland was poised to be the largest recipient, but President Nawrocki, a euro-skeptic aligned with former U.S. policies, blocked the required legislation, citing concerns over debt and German influence. Tusk criticized the veto as potentially harmful and vowed to find alternative paths to secure the funds. The European Commission affirmed its commitment to proceed with plans involving Poland and suggested that advance payments could begin as early as April. While the U.S. has expressed concerns that SAFE and similar EU defense programs limit market access and hinder collective defense, Tusk dismissed Nawrockiâs national funding proposal as impractical. The disagreement reflects broader tensions between Tuskâs pro-EU government and Nawrockiâs nationalist stance.