Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Niemczycki has opposed linking aid to Ukraine to EU budget, proposal put forward by Merz
Poland has opposed a proposal by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to link the adoption of the European Union’s new multiannual budget to the consent of all member states regarding funding for Ukraine. Officials in Warsaw emphasize that support for Kyiv is essential for Poland’s security, but that these issues must be addressed separately.
RMF24 reports this, citing Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Ignacy Nemchitsky, according to Censor.NET.
Merz wants to compel all EU countries to contribute to Ukraine's funding
The German chancellor insists that all European Union member states participate in financing the next aid package for Ukraine. And Kyiv will need an additional 70 billion euros next year, of which 45 billion euros should be provided by the European Union.
In Warsaw, it is believed that Merz's stance is primarily directed at countries that do not want to participate in financing Ukraine.
"This is a way to put pressure on countries that oppose funding Ukraine, such as Slovakia or the Czech Republic. The principle is: there will be no multiannual budget unless you agree to provide a certain amount of funding for Ukraine. We, on the other hand, support funding for Ukraine," Nemchitsky explained.
The Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary have not yet joined the coordinated mechanism to provide Ukraine with a 90 billion euro loan and intend to seek similar exemptions in the future. Bulgaria is also considering this possibility.
Poland has warned of a threat to its security in the event of Ukraine's bankruptcy
Nemchitsky emphasized that Warsaw supports continued funding for Kyiv, as Ukraine’s stability directly affects Poland’s security.
"Ukraine's bankruptcy would mean a sharp increase in the threat to Poland's security. Therefore, European participation in financing Ukraine is necessary and in Poland's interest," the deputy minister said.
At the same time, he emphasized that decisions regarding aid to Ukraine should be made independently of negotiations on the new EU budget.
Warsaw fears losing funding for farmers and regions
Poland is seeking to preserve European funding for cohesion policies aimed at regional development and support for agriculture.
Germany and other economically powerful EU member states are advocating for limits on overall budget spending, while at the same time proposing to increase funding for defense, security, and aid to Ukraine.
If member states' contributions to the European Union budget do not increase, the cuts may affect funding for regional development and agriculture in particular.
At the same time, RMF24 notes that Merz’s strategy could potentially prove beneficial for Poland. If the chancellor secures an agreement on joint funding for Ukraine, this could create room for Germany to make concessions on other budgetary issues, particularly regarding funding for Polish regions and farmers.
