A German ambassador, Thomas Bagger, touched a nerve in Poland with social media criticisms of Polish politics and comments about funding Russian energy. He was invited to the presidential palace by the head of the Office of International Policy, who reminded him that an ambassador is not a publicist. Now the German figure is working to mend his image. In an interview with Newsweek, owned by Ringier Axel Springer, he explained how Germany might be evolving in response to current events.
Responsibility for the war
During the discussion, Bagger was asked to address the remarks of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Mariusz Błaszczak, who suggested that German policy had enabled Moscow to finance its military. Bagger recalled his own social media post querying how many billions of zlotys Poland transfers to Moscow annually for Russian energy. In Newsweek he asserted that the blame for the war lies with Moscow alone. He also acknowledged that Nord Stream was a mistake, yet argued that Germany was not the only European nation purchasing energy from Russia.
Bagger emphasized that what Germany should be to Poland chiefly depends on Poland itself and that there is a clear commitment from Germany to be a good neighbor. He added that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has prompted a strategic shift in thinking between Poland and Germany, though the two countries approach the issues from different angles. Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about closer cooperation, noting that mutual progress requires effort from both sides.
In his assessment, the diplomat argued that the future of Polish-German relations will hinge on shared interests and practical collaboration rather than words alone.
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Relations between Poland and Germany
Bagger offered his take on the broader Poland–Germany relationship. He framed the question of attitudes toward Germany as part of an old, ongoing Polish self-reflection about identity and European direction. He suggested that Germany’s possible actions could come as constructive proposals for cooperation or measures to address the consequences of the war. He also noted that Germany has become a significant provider of aid to Ukraine within the European Union, including military assistance with modern weapon systems.
The German representative also commented on Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki’s remark that Germany has long shown conciliation toward Moscow. He described that characterization as exaggerated and asserted that Germany has changed in many important respects. While acknowledging skepticism, he argued that it would be unfair to claim that Germany had always enjoyed a close relationship with Russia, pointing out that the shift occurred after the annexation of Crimea and the war in Donbass.
There is a sense that Poland is gaining international standing, Bagger noted, and he wondered how this influence might translate into impact in Brussels. He argued that Poland should not trivialize its moment by pursuing a policy that contradicts its broader interests with Germany. Instead, he saw a strategic window for Polish–German relations, with both sides increasingly drawn together by common interests. He urged a future grounded in constructive dialogue and cooperation rather than accusatory or symbolic gestures.
He added that history should guide both nations toward a better present and future, and that reparations as a tool for reconciliation do not seem productive. The discussion touched on the legal resolution of past disputes, while acknowledging that moral considerations may linger. The question was raised whether issuing fresh bills for old wounds is the best path to stronger neighborly ties between Poles and Germans, and Bagger stressed that Berlin does not fear negotiations since there is nothing left to negotiate on certain points.
Asked about conversations with Jarosław Kaczyński, he suggested that Polish–German ties would not benefit from public comments on statements by the PiS leader. The interview underscored that the ongoing debate is not about turning away from the past but about shaping a pragmatic path forward in a challenging regional context.
As the interview closed, the German ambassador continued his remarks in Newsweek, framing the exchange as part of a larger effort to clarify Germany’s evolving stance toward Europe and its neighbors. [citation: wPolityce]
Source: wPolityce [citation]