The SAFE scheme offers EUR 150 billion in low-interest loans across the EU, largely for European-made military equipment, with Poland already allocated EUR 43.7 billion to fund projects including its East Shield border defense program, air and anti-drone defenses, artillery, and military-related transport upgrades.
Warsaw has pledged that 89 percent of the money will flow to Polish industry.
Zalewski, speaking on public broadcaster Polish Radio 24, said uneven uptake among member states has left funds available for countries able to move quickly.
"Not all countries are as effective in spending these funds, and it turns out there is a certain unused pool," he said, adding that securing a share would require "an extra round of negotiations with the European Commission," with Poland submitting additional projects for approval.
On the future American base, Zalewski said Poland intends to lay out full details of its proposal to US counterparts next month, as talks between Warsaw and Washington continue.
(jh/gs)
Source: Polish Radio