Von der Leyen: more EU funds for Polish borde

Von der Leyen at the Polish border: more EU funds for migration and defense

On August 31, 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited the Poland-Belarus border together with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. During the press conference, the European leader announced a significant strengthening of the Union's resources: the budget allocated for migration and border management will be tripled, with additional funds for member states sharing direct borders with Russia and Belarus.

Von der Leyen also reiterated plans to enhance Poland's security and that of the entire bloc through the SAFE program, a new European tool for joint defense procurement. The planned budget is 150 billion euros, of which Poland will be the main beneficiary. "We want a stronger and safer Europe", she declared, emphasizing that military cooperation is crucial for the continent's stability.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the situation at the border as a true "hybrid war", orchestrated by the governments of Belarus and Russia. According to Tusk, using migrant groups as political pressure represents a direct threat not only to Poland but to the entire European Union. For this reason, he announced investment plans for approximately 50 billion euros in favor of national defense and Polish military industry.

The visit took place on the anniversary of the Solidarity movement, a symbol of Poland's struggle for freedom and independence. Von der Leyen wanted to remember the value of Polish resilience and the role Warsaw has had, and will continue to have, in building a united and safer Europe.