Germany’s ambassador to Poland, Thomas Bagger, reflected on reparations in a conversation with Polish Radio 24, suggesting that in his view, the matter has already been covered by the German government. He described reparations as a Pandora’s box that would be wiser to leave unopened.
Better leave this Pandora’s box untouched
The ambassador framed reparations as a Pandora’s box and argued for leaving it alone, even as the EU navigates a long-standing shift in approach and understanding.
Asked who benefits most from a solution, he answered simply: everyone, Europeans included.
Germans acknowledge the need to recognize Poland’s war-time suffering and emotional weight, both now and in the future. Yet, he insisted that reopening the debate would not yield positive outcomes for Europe. A united Europe, he noted, remains the shared horizon for both Germany and Poland.
In a later section, the discussion turned to the stance of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who had tweeted that Germany had been liberated from tyranny by National Socialism.
The ambassador described Scholz’s move as an intriguing development and admitted he has followed the discourse around it with interest.
He emphasized that German-Polish relations are rarely simple and often marked by misunderstandings. The two countries carry distinct historical memories and vocabulary. The Polish side is currently reassessing monuments on which the word “liberation” is inscribed, sometimes viewing them as symbols of occupation rather than liberation.
In Germany, May 8, 1945 has long been perceived as a day of defeat and catastrophe, yet German leaders have gradually reframed its significance. The ambassador recalled the remarks of a former German president, Richard von Weizsäcker, who in 1985 spoke of liberation in relation to Germans as well, a framing that shifted how the anniversary is remembered.
The question repeatedly raised is whether the day should be seen solely as a defeat or as a moment that marked liberation from Nazi tyranny for the German people as a whole. The ambassador suggested that the latter interpretation belongs to today’s common understanding in Germany, while acknowledging that Poland’s memory of the day is different. He argued that mutual understanding requires effort to bridge these divergent narratives and avoid easy conclusions. Misunderstandings, he noted, come easily in conversations like this.
Looking ahead, he reflected on the need to balance memory with forward-moving policy. History, he suggested, remains important, but it should not overshadow the path toward the future. When the past is constantly revisited without a forward gaze, perceptions of the present and future can become distorted.
In closing, the ambassador underscored the importance of keeping the focus on progress rather than dwelling on what has already happened. The discussion, he hinted, is part of a broader effort to strengthen understanding between Poland and Germany as they navigate shared challenges and opportunities in Europe. He urged a persistent, forward-looking approach to history and relations, arguing that truly meaningful cooperation requires both memory and a readiness to turn the page toward the years ahead. The interview closed with a note that the conversation would continue in another setting. End — curated for Polish readers. — citation: wPolityce