Aid for Ukraine or money for regions and farmers? Poland responds to Merz's conditions

Chancellor Merz wants all countries to participate in covering the costs of another urgent aid to Ukraine. Kyiv needs an additional EUR 70 billion, of which EUR 45 billion would be provided by the European Union.

A similar position is expressed by the Irish Minister of Finance, Simon Harris: It is very difficult to talk seriously about the multi-annual budget of Europe without Ukraine and the financing of Ukraine. Any other conversation would be incomplete, he said.

Poland's position

Poland believes that Merz's pressure is aimed primarily at countries that oppose financing Kiev. Deputy Minister Ignacy Niemczycki told RMF FM:

This is a formula of pressure on those cohesion countries that are against financing Ukraine, such as Slovakia or the Czech Republic. Basically: there will be no long-term budget if you do not agree to some financing for Ukraine. We are in favor of financing Ukraine.

The Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary did not participate in the previously agreed loan of EUR 90 billion for Ukraine and announce efforts to obtain similar exemptions in subsequent aid mechanisms. Bulgaria is also considering this possibility.

Niemczycki emphasizes that Poland supports Ukraine's support, and its financing is directly related to Poland's security:

Ukraine's bankruptcy would mean a sharp increase in the threat to Poland's security. Therefore, European involvement in financing Ukraine is necessary and in Poland's interest. This matter must be resolved regardless of the negotiations on the new EU budget, says the minister.

Poland wants to defend money, among others. for agriculture

For Warsaw, the problem is that it wants to defend money for cohesion policy and agriculture at the same time. Germany and other rich countries, however, demand a reduction in EU spending and, at the same time, an increase in spending on defense, security and aid for Ukraine. If contributions to the EU budget do not increase, savings may be found in funds for regional development and support for farmers.