EC green-lights Poland's Security and Defence Fund
The European Commission (EC) has approved the launch of Poland's Security and Defence Fund (FBiO), which will use the monies to beef up civilian security and dual-use infrastructure, a Polish deputy funds minister has said.
"End of negotiations with the European Commission!," Jan Szyszko, a deputy minister of funds and regional policy, announced in a post on X on Friday. "We have agreed to establish a Security and Defence Fund using resources from the KPO (the EU-financed National Recovery Plan – PAP)," he continued. "Two months ago, we pledged to create the FBiO, and today, we are fulfilling that promise."
The KPO, from which Warsaw plans to allocate funds for the establishment of the FBiO, was received by the country last year. The reserves are intended to support initiatives addressing climate change and digital transition, as well as to bolster the domestic economy.
Regarding the FBiO, Warsaw plans to redirect resources that were initially earmarked for the green transformation of urban areas. A substantial portion, PLN 26 billion (EUR 6.1 bln), will be used to expand civilian security and dual-use infrastructure, including roads, railways, airports and airstrips that are designed to serve both military and civilian purposes.
In addition to the resources from the KPO, the fund will also be supplemented by other financial sources, including the EU Cohesion Policy, which serves as the bloc's primary investment strategy.
According to the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy, the fund is anticipated to be launched in the third quarter of 2025. The ministry will oversee the implementation of investments, while a government steering committee will monitor the expenditures of the FBiO.
The fund will distribute money in the form of preferential, low-interest loans or capital investments that are partially forgivable, depending on the investment's context and strategy. (PAP)
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