01.12.2025 22:46
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who is on an official visit to Germany, stated during a joint press conference with his counterpart Friedrich Merz, "We believe that Poland has not received compensation for the losses and crimes experienced during World War II."
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a joint press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in the capital, Berlin.
DEFENSE RELATIONS WILL BE DEEPENED
Merz stated that the two governments have agreed on a joint declaration that forms the basis for closer cooperation. Merz said, "We will deepen and systematize our security and defense cooperation." He expressed that Germany and Poland have already taken some steps following Russia's violation of Polish airspace, noting that his country has deployed Eurofighter jets to Poland to strengthen NATO air operations.
Merz indicated that they will expand cooperation in the detection and neutralization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), stating, "Our ground forces will cooperate more closely, including increasing joint exercises. We have also tasked our ministers with preparing a draft agreement on defense policy. We plan to sign this agreement in 2026."
Accusing Russia of revisionism and attempting to redraw European borders, Merz emphasized that Germany and Poland are determined to support Ukraine and enhance Europe's defense capabilities. He pointed out that Germany and Poland are indispensable partners for each other. Merz stated that they need a strong Poland as an equal partner, saying, "We have a fundamental interest in this. We want Poland to be a strong partner for a secure, free, and prosperous Europe."
"CONFRONTING THE PAST WILL NEVER BE COMPLETED"
Merz pointed out that Germany has a permanent responsibility for the crimes committed by the Nazis against Polish citizens during World War II, announcing that a permanent monument dedicated to Polish victims will be built in Berlin and that they will explore ways to provide more support to those who survived Nazi aggression and occupation.
In response to reminders of Poland's compensation claims for losses during World War II, Merz emphasized that the issue has been definitively resolved both legally and politically through past agreements. Merz stated, "However, it is also clear to us that commemoration and confronting the past will never be completed. Germany acknowledges its historical responsibility."
DEMANDED COMPENSATION FROM GERMANY
Polish Prime Minister Tusk also stated that his country's position regarding compensation claims from Germany is clear, saying, "Germany adheres to these official diplomatic agreements from the 1950s. Those who know history are aware that in the 1950s, Poland had no say in this matter. Poland's renunciation of compensation is not seen as an action in line with the views of the Polish people."
Tusk pointed out that the Polish people had no say in this matter at that time, stating, "If you ask what the situation is, nothing has changed. We all in Poland believe that Poland did not receive compensation for the losses and crimes experienced during World War II." Tusk mentioned that they are aware of Germany's position, which adheres to these official provisions from the 1950s, saying, "We will see what happens in the future, but from Poland's perspective, nothing has changed."