Tenders for equipment and supplies for services under the Ministry of Interior and Administration (MSWiA)—specifically the police, Border Guard, and the State Protection Service (SOP)—are being annulled and will be restarted. This decision follows a veto by President Karol Nawrocki of a law designed to facilitate the distribution of funds from the SAFE fund.
The government explained that while military purchases can continue via the “Polska Zbrojna” Program, the same is not possible for services under the MSWiA. The procurement process for these agencies must be reset due to the change in how the purchases will be financed.
Shift to State Budget Funding
Karolina Gałecka, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior and Administration, confirmed that the tenders must be annulled and reopened. She stated that the government has decided these purchases will now be financed directly from the state budget, enabled by a change in a Council of Ministers’ regulation.
The funds will be integrated into the non-military defense preparations program. Gałecka acknowledged that the presidential veto has created difficulties and is extending the procurement process, but emphasized that all purchases originally planned for SAFE funding will still be realized.
Financial Reallocation and Military Impact
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that a necessary change in regulation could be ready by May 22. This change would allow funds freed up in the defense budget—thanks to SAFE—to be redirected toward non-military defense preparations and military mobility at the Ministry of Infrastructure.
Originally, 17 billion PLN from the SAFE program was intended for the MSWiA and the Ministry of Infrastructure, with 7 billion PLN earmarked for the MSWiA. Following the veto, these funds will now be allocated exclusively to the military, increasing the MON budget by 17 billion PLN.
Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that MON may now use SAFE funds for multi-year plans rather than the ministry’s own budget. As an example, he mentioned that 100 “Borsuk” vehicles, which were intended to be bought with state budget funds, may now be financed using SAFE money.
Planned Investments for Security Services
The MSWiA has outlined specific allocations for its services under the non-military defense preparations program. The police are slated to receive 3.3 billion PLN for the construction of a national anti-drone system, the implementation of AI systems to automate work, and the replacement of protective and transport equipment.
The Border Guard is expected to receive 3.2 billion PLN. These funds are intended for investments in surveillance and threat neutralization systems—including drones—at the borders, a new patrol fleet, and modern personal equipment for officers.
the State Protection Service (SOP) is set to receive 640 million PLN. This funding is aimed at strengthening threat detection systems, blocking dangerous transmissions, and providing new pyrotechnic equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the equipment tenders for MSWiA services annulled?
The tenders were annulled because President Karol Nawrocki vetoed the law that would have facilitated the distribution of SAFE fund money, necessitating a change in the form of financing.
How will the Police, Border Guard, and SOP now receive their equipment?
The purchases will be financed directly from the state budget through the non-military defense preparations program, following a change in the Council of Ministers’ regulation.
What is the impact of the veto on the Ministry of National Defense (MON)?
The MON budget increases by 17 billion PLN, as SAFE funds that were originally intended for other ministries will now be used exclusively for the military, potentially funding projects like the purchase of 100 “Borsuk” vehicles.
How should governments balance the need for rapid security upgrades with the legislative hurdles of funding them?
