EU Leaders back €800B Defense Plan at Polish-Belarusian Border

Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Krynki, on the Polish-Belarusian border, on Sunday to discuss the European Union’s €800 billion defense plan, border protection, and support for Ukraine.

The visit began with a briefing at a Border Guard post attended by senior Polish officials, before both leaders inspected Poland’s “East Shield” and the 5.5-metre steel barrier. Von der Leyen said the EU’s new defense budget marks a sharp rise in military spending: “We have proposed a tenfold increase in military mobility and a more than fivefold increase in defense investments.”

Central to the talks was the €150 billion SAFE program, a preferential loan scheme designed to strengthen Europe’s defense industry through joint procurement. Nineteen member states have applied, with Poland the largest beneficiary. Von der Leyen stressed the initiative’s dual role: “It can be used to strengthen our own defense industrial base, but also to invest in Ukraine’s defense industry.”

She underlined that Russia remains a major threat, calling President Vladimir Putin “a predator who has started four wars in the last 25 years,” and argued that Europe’s security rests on “a strong Ukrainian army, allied support, and our own defense posture.”

The joint appearance came amid heightened tensions. Authorities considered moving the press event after reports of Belarusian soldiers nearby, but proceeded under security watch.

Von der Leyen confirmed that the Commission will prepare a roadmap for EU defense investment by October, including milestones through 2030. The plan, known as “Readiness 2030,” combines SAFE loans with national budgets and private investment to expand production in air defense, drones, artillery, and cyber.

Poland has reinforced its eastern frontier with physical and electronic barriers since 2021, presenting its East Shield as part of Europe’s deterrence posture. Tusk called for sustained backing from NATO, the EU, and the U.S., warning that concessions to Russia “do not deliver security.”

The visit formed part of von der Leyen’s tour of seven EU states bordering Russia and Belarus, aimed at promoting coordination on defense and border security across the bloc.