Poland's President Karol Nawrocki on Tuesday refused to sign a law allowing Poland to access preferential defense loans from the European Union (EU) totaling nearly €44 billion, explaining that it would be wrong to make the country even more dependent on Brussels, LETA reported, citing AP.
Since taking office last year, Nawrocki has positioned himself as the main opponent of Prime Minister Donald Tusk and has repeatedly vetoed bills proposed by the executive branch.
According to the president's office, Nawrocki has until March 20 to make a final decision on whether he will veto the government bill on the EU defense loan.
Poland was set to become the largest recipient of funds from the EU SAFE loan program ("Security Action for Europe"), amounting to €150 billion, aimed at enhancing Europe's defense readiness amid the diminishing role of the U.S. in ensuring the continent's security.
To access these funds, the liberal government of Poland prepared a list of 139 projects planned to be financed with this money. Thirty of them are intended to strengthen the eastern border of the country. The government also promised that 80% of the funds would be directed to the local industry.
However, Nawrocki and the main opposition party, Law and Justice, have expressed critical views on Poland's participation in the SAFE program. They argue that the funds are provided under EU conditions, which makes Poland more dependent on Germany and promotes purchases from European manufacturers at the expense of American ones.
