Biznes Fakty
Powerful EU program. Minister on the „priority” of the Polish presidency
The primary objective of the Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union is to finalize discussions on the EU initiative of 150 billion euros in loans designated for the arms sector, ideally by May, stated Finance Minister Andrzej Domański in Brussels on Monday. As per an EU source, a significant milestone is anticipated during the summit with the United Kingdom scheduled for May 19.
At the EU-UK summit in London, a defense agreement is expected to be formalized. According to the PAP source, this arrangement will grant the British access to the EU loan program, allowing them to collaborate on joint defense orders alongside member states and Ukraine.
Currently, efforts are ongoing within the EU Council to establish regulations for the SAFE loan package. A pivotal development is anticipated at the finance ministers’ meeting on Tuesday.
A few days for „even better conditions”
Domański emphasized the need for the proposal to be „refined and to consider as many interests of European nations as possible”.
– Our main goal is to complete the work on this program during the Polish presidency, ideally in May – the minister stated. – These few extra days will enable us to secure even more favorable conditions, particularly for the Polish arms sector, and we will address this matter in tomorrow’s meeting – he stressed. The Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) will convene in Brussels on Tuesday, chaired by Domański as part of the Polish presidency.
– Naturally, discussions have taken place or are ongoing regarding specifics such as percentages and the participation of individual countries or blocs. It is not my responsibility to act as a negotiator, but our top priority is to develop a robust European, and specifically Polish, arms industry – Domański remarked. He clarified that this pertains to collaboration with nations outside the EU.
Meeting with the head of the European Commission
The Finance Minister announced that on Monday in Brussels, representatives from Polish defense firms PGZ and WB Electronics engaged in discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This meeting occurred during the second EU-Ukraine Defence Industry Forum.
It is projected that 65% of the armament components financed by the loan program will originate from EU member states or Ukraine. The draft regulation currently under consideration by member states in the EU Council also stipulates that for the acquisition of more sophisticated systems, it is essential to maintain full control over the design of defense equipment by contractors.
According to the European Commission, this measure aims to mitigate reliance on complex systems sourced from outside the EU.
