Poland and CEE Need Finance Architecture for Defence Investments (visegradinsight.eu)

• Poland expects to channel ~€50B of EU SAFE funds into defence
• Current financing models favour large contractors, not dual‑use startups
• Barriers: certification costs, lack of demo funding, slow procurement
• State role: clear demand signals, certification support, market architecture

"Poland, as the largest CEE capital market, is exploring how to channel EU SAFE funds and private capital into defence and dual-use technologies. A Visegrad Insight roundtable identified missing models for connecting venture ecosystems, stock markets, and public procurement. Barriers include high certification costs, lack of funding for foreign demonstrations, and mismatch between traditional vendor loans and startup needs. Lessons from Ukraine show rapid innovation cycles, but European procurement systems lag."