Poland's Tusk Pledges EU Defense Loan Alternatives After Veto

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk pledged on Friday to pursue alternative measures to secure 43.7 billion euros in European Union defense loans for Poland, despite a veto by President Karol Nawrocki against legislation that would have enabled access to the funds. The dispute, unfolding in Warsaw, highlights deepening political divisions over national security and European integration amid ongoing tensions from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Nawrocki announced the veto on Thursday in a televised address, stating he would not sign the law because it could undermine Poland's sovereignty, independence, economic security, and military autonomy. The legislation, approved by parliament last month, was designed to implement Poland's participation in the EU's Security Action for Europe initiative, or SAFE, a 150 billion euro program aimed at enhancing Europe's defense capabilities through loans and investments. Poland stood to receive the largest share, with the funds earmarked for air and missile defenses, anti-drone technology, and other military equipment to bolster the country's eastern flank along NATO's border with Russia and Belarus.

Tusk, whose pro-EU government has prioritized...