Poland intensifies counter-disinformation efforts over SAFE programme
In recent hours, there has been an increase in disinformation, particularly regarding Poland’s national security and the SAFE programme. These concerns relate to key tasks such as the modernisation of the Polish Armed Forces, armament procurement, equipment upgrades, and building a strong Europe, including strengthening our alliances. All such manipulations and false narratives have been appearing more frequently. It is evident that the activity of our adversaries from the East has intensified in recent days and hours, and they are likely preparing further hybrid attacks. Therefore, I have decided that all forces and resources of the Ministry of National Defence will be mobilised to fight disinformation and manipulation.
This was said by Deputy Prime Minister of Poland Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, CE Report informs via the Polish Ministry of National Defence's official website.
A press briefing was held in Warsaw by Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, and Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, Government Plenipotentiary for the EU Security Instrument.
“In a democracy, criticism is of course natural, and this is not about criticism. Political dispute and differences with our opponents are normal, but we are talking about hostile activity. Activity aimed at destroying trust in the state, breaking alliances, and undermining national, European, and NATO unity. All these actions are clearly intended to weaken state resilience. To strengthen resilience, we are now making a decision to engage all available forces and resources. We will explain, show the truth, and also identify manipulations that are increasingly appearing online. I ask everyone to verify information. Criticism and political debate are normal. Trolling, disinformation, manipulation, and lies about Poland’s security policy are hostile actions. I am always open to discussion and criticism, but when it comes to actions against Poland’s security, we will respond firmly,” the defence minister said.
The programme was created in response to the difficult geopolitical situation along Europe’s borders. Its financial foundation is the European SAFE instrument, from which funds will be transferred to the Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego for the Armed Forces Support Fund.
“Regarding the SAFE programme, there has been a coordinated influence operation for months aimed at discrediting these funds and convincing Poles that investing in the army and security is not worthwhile. This is all one big lie serving a specific purpose. The SAFE mechanism strengthens our security. These are concrete purchases for the Polish Army made from Polish companies. We are strengthening security and the Polish defence industry,” she said.
She added that the priority of the programme is to support the Polish defence industry, with a significant share of contracts going directly to domestic manufacturers, including Rosomak S.A., Huta Stalowa Wola, Mesko S.A., and PGZ Naval Shipyard in Gdynia. In total, 11,981 partners across the country are involved in the programme.
Photo/Video: Ministry of National Defence of Poland
