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Polish ministries clash over control of €7.2 billion defense fund

21.03.2025 12:05
Poland’s Ministry of National Defense (MON) is in a dispute with the ministry led by Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz over control of a new 30 billion PLN (€7.2 billion) fund, according to the Polish news outlet Onet.
Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (left) and Minister Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz (right) at a cabinet meeting in Warsaw, discussing amendments to the National Freedom Institute law. March 18, 2025.
Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (left) and Minister Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz (right) at a cabinet meeting in Warsaw, discussing amendments to the National Freedom Institute law. March 18, 2025.Photo: PAP/Piotr Nowak

The dispute concerns a newly established security and defense fund, which was carved out of Poland’s National Recovery Plan (KPO) and has so far been overseen by Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, the minister for funds and regional policy.

She wants to retain full control over the funds, which is said to be frustrating Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, as reported by Onet.

Poland plans to redirect recovery funds to defense

The Security and Defense Fund was originally intended for green urban transformation under the National Recovery Plan (KPO), but the Polish government seeks to redirect it toward defense.

The European Commission is expected to approve this reallocation in mid-April.

The fund aims to support local governments, the defense industry, and civil defense, including the construction of shelters, drone fleets, and AI applications for the military. The Polish government is set to discuss the fund’s management next Tuesday.

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Source: IAR/PAP/Onet.pl/X/@onetpl