During her visit to Warsaw, the President of the European Investment Bank Nadia Calvino said that the Bank had created a ‘special plan to support the European security and defence sector’.   

‘Its major aspects are military mobility, drones, research and development, as well as special anti-jamming systems. It is a very important issue – space policy. The entire scope of investments that will contribute to peace and security in Europe,’ said Nadia Calvino.  

Today Poland signed an agreement concerning a satellite program in co-operation with France. The head of the Polish government stressed that the presence of the EIB is not to be underestimated in the case of this investment.  

‘We are talking about 300 million euros – a considerable amount that helps our plan to build the “iron dome” over Poland and Europe take another step forward,’ informed Donald Tusk. 

The Prime Minister announced that he would present this initiative with other heads of European governments in the next few days.

‘We will present it also to the future European Commission and the future European Council so that the idea of this pan-European air defence system gradually turns from a dream to a real practical plan,’ added Donald Tusk.

Satellite and reconnaissance systems will constitute an essential part of this project.

Since the beginning of Poland’s membership in the European Union, the European Investment Bank has invested huge funds here.  

‘Thank you very much for everything we have achieved together so far. ‘The bank run by President Nadia Calvino has invested 100 billion euros in our country since we started our European path,’ stressed Donald Tusk. 

The head of the Polish government admitted that the co-operation with the EBI had been of huge importance to Poland.  

‘We in Poland are aware how much we owe to this co-operation and how clearly these positive changes can be seen in many places of our homeland,’ added Donald Tusk.  

The funds obtained by Poland from the EBI for the last 20 years stand for many investments that we use every day.  

‘The bank has invested almost 100 billion euros in Poland. This means the financing of roads, energy transformation and concrete projects, such as Baltic Power. It is the first offshore farm in Poland and one of the biggest in the world. Or, for example, the second metro line in Warsaw and a new pedestrian bridge. And, obviously, also railway routes and motorways across Poland,’ said Nadia Calvino.  

We will continue our co-operation with the EBI. This is particularly important at the present time, when Ukraine is defending itself against Russian aggression, and Europe is facing the greatest threat for years. 

‘I would also like to thank the European Investment Bank very much for something that is crucial from Poland’s viewpoint today – for its readiness to support our plans concerning the security, protection and defence of Polish and European borders,’ said Donald Tusk.

The Polish prime minister also pointed out the change of strategy of the European Investment Bank – the dual use principle, thanks to which we can count on very cheap favourable loans for investments.   

On Saturday in Kraków, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the government would invest 10 billion PLN in the safe eastern border. This National Defence and Deterrence Plan was code-named ‘Shield East’.  

‘I would also like to thank the European Investment Bank for its readiness to co-operate in the protection of our Polish and, at the same time, European border. By building the Shield East fortification system, we will also secure our border through investments in the natural environment,’ said Donald Tusk.  

The head of the Polish government stressed that Poland will use European opportunities to strengthen the sense of security among Poles.  

‘For me, it is a very important thing that Poland has gained a very serious partner with great financial and expert capabilities to build a sense of security. I am very grateful and obliged for this,’ added the Polish prime minister. 

The European Investment Bank has supported Ukraine since the beginning of Russian aggression. 

‘We have invested 2 billion euros in this country to restore its strategic infrastructure, roads and electric distribution network. We are also rebuilding hospitals, schools and houses while supporting Ukrainian companies. And we still want to support this country,’ assured Nadia Calvino. 

The owners of the European Investment Bank (EBI) based in Luxembourg are EU member states. The EBI obtains funds on capital markets and grants loans on preferential terms for projects supporting the EU’s goals.