The government’s stance on Poland’s reparations claims in relation to Germany has been published in the official Monitor Polski, providing the complete text of the resolution.
On Tuesday, at the initiative of Deputy Foreign Minister Arkadiusz Mularczyk, the Council of Ministers approved a resolution addressing reparations, compensation, and related matters in Polish–German relations. This action follows Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939 and the subsequent occupation, events that remain central to Poland’s historical claims for restitution.
During a subsequent press conference, Deputy Minister Mularczyk explained that the resolution is intended to formally respond to Poland’s diplomatic communications about reparations. He noted Germany’s reply, which he described as succinct and indicating that the issue of reparations had been closed from their side.
Details about the resolution were highlighted in the media, with officials asserting that the measure could help clarify the status of Poland’s reparations discussions and counter assertions that Poland had waived its rights in this area.
FULL RESOLUTION
DECISION NO. 51
OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
dated April 18, 2023
on the need to settle in Polish–German relations the question of reparations, indemnities and compensation for losses suffered by Poland as a consequence of Germany’s unlawful invasion in 1939 and the subsequent occupation
The Council of Ministers, acting under Article 146, sections 1 and 4, point 9 of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland, states as follows:
Section 1. The issues of reparations, damages, compensation or any form of restitution for material and immaterial losses suffered by Poland as a result of the unlawful invasion of September 1939 by Germany and the ensuing occupation were not settled during the era of the Polish People’s Republic nor in the era of the Free Republic of Poland after 1989, when the Polish and German governments regained sovereignty and the ability to determine their own future.
Section 2. In particular, neither the government of the Polish People’s Republic nor the government of the Free Republic of Poland ever relinquished the pursuit of reparations, compensation, or indemnities from the Federal Republic of Germany for the wartime losses suffered by Poland.
Section 3. The Government recalls that the issue of reparations has not yet been resolved between Poland and Germany through an international agreement.
Section 4. Given the scale of damage and suffering caused during the Second World War, the Government considers that the framework for payment of reparations and compensation should be settled promptly between Poland and Germany.
Section 5. The resolution takes effect on the day it is adopted.
Prime Minister: Morawiecki
Monitoring the reparations resolution is part of ongoing oversight by the government. This text aligns with Poland’s historical position on restitution and its calls for review by both sides.
For useful context, other analyses address estimates of wartime losses and the international reception of Poland’s claims. The discussion remains relevant to Poland’s future approach to restitution within European and international forums. The information above is drawn from official Polish sources and contemporary coverage of the topic.
Attribution: Monitor Polski and related parliamentary materials.