During discussions at the Council of Europe, Polish Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arkadiusz Mularczyk laid out plans for a mandatory mediation framework for Council of Europe member states. The aim is to address compensation tied to wartime harms and ongoing reconciliations, with formal input by experts from the Council of Europe. Officials indicated progress today in shaping this framework.
The Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights at the Council of Europe is examining Lord Keen’s report on reparation and reconciliation. The deputy minister expressed satisfaction with the momentum behind these efforts.
A potential path to compel Germany into reparations discussions
The overarching goal is to create a binding mechanism that obliges member states to enter negotiations with the aim of addressing past and current conflicts. The plan would include expert participation from the Council of Europe and could impose sanctions if negotiations do not start. The deputy head of the foreign ministry views this approach as a bold step that could move negotiations with Germany forward and help resolve ongoing disputes.
— emphasized the deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Poland’s proposal gaining traction
Mularczyk noted that the resolution proposed by Poland is slated for a vote at the European Council of Europe in January. If adopted, member states would be required to engage in mediation with legitimately aggrieved parties, with financial sanctions as a potential enforcement option.
The draft resolution drew broad support within the European Council’s Legal Committee. The deputy minister highlighted extensive discussions with senior Council representatives, including the Secretary General, the Assembly President, and leaders from all political factions.
— noted Deputy Minister Mularczyk.
He also pointed to the nearing end of the legislative journey, stressing the need to establish mechanisms to hold Russia accountable for war crimes and to build a comprehensive register documenting the damage caused by the war in Ukraine.
The Council of Europe remains actively engaged in addressing both current and historical claims through its initiatives.
— summarized Mularczyk.
Additional notes reference ongoing work on reparations, including continued discussions about Germany and parliamentary actions focused on regulating compensation matters. The broader aim remains to advance accountability and transparent processes for affected populations.
— Throughout these developments, parliamentary involvement continues to shape policy on reparations and accountability.
In summary, the Council of Europe is pursuing structured pathways for negotiation to ensure that affected nations have a clear and enforceable route to seek remedy for past and present harms.