The talks focused on possible improvement of the current state of Polish-German relations. In this context, the first and indisputable step is for Germany to engage into discussion with Poland on open historical issues, including in particular the payment of compensation for losses suffered by Poland and Poles as a result of German aggression and occupation in 1939–45.

The meeting took place almost one year after the Polish government submitted a diplomatic note on this issue to the government of the Federal Republic of Germany. The demands the Polish government presented in the note were rejected by the German side, as were all subsequent proposals to engage in dialogue. For this reason, Deputy Minister Arkadiusz Mularczyk urged his interlocutor that the German side present a proposal to resolve the problem in a constructive way. The present attitude of the German authorities forces the Polish government to continue its efforts to further internationalise the dispute and to disseminate knowledge about German crimes committed during World War II. Moreover, the Polish diplomat pointed out that it is necessary to promptly settle the dispute, as it has a detrimental effect not only on the atmosphere of cooperation within the European Union and NATO, particularly in the context of the current developments in Ukraine, but also on cross-border relations.

During the meeting, the officials also talked about the German project, presented in August this year, of the Memorial and Meeting Place with Poland that is to be set up in Berlin. Deputy Minister Arkadiusz Mularczyk criticised the fact that representatives of the Polish side did not participate in the project, at the same time expressing his hope that Polish historians and experts will be invited to take part in further work.

 

MFA Spokesperson