Discussing a report about Poland’s losses caused by German aggression and occupation during World War II invites dialogue. The German response, whether quick or gradual, was not meant as an insult, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture Piotr Gliński in an interview with Polska magazine.
According to the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, on the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, Piotr Gliński and the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, visited the exhibition Memory 1943 at Kordegarda in Warsaw. During the visit, the ministry noted, Gliński handed the German president the Report on Losses suffered by Poland as a result of German aggression and occupation during the Second World War 1939-1945.
The Deputy Prime Minister handed the report to the President of Germany
In a subsequent interview, Gliński explained that as Steinmeier’s stop at Kordegarda concluded, he delivered the report to him. He emphasized that the document held obvious importance for Steinmeier as a minister responsible for culture and national heritage and issues connected to the substantial losses Poland endured in World War II. He also mentioned a government resolution adopted the previous day related to warfare as a reason for sharing the report.
Gliński expressed that the German state’s reaction to Poland’s diplomatic note was inappropriate in his view. He added that Poland would keep the issue of compensation in the public spotlight until Germany engages in negotiations and provides restitution for the losses Poland suffered at the hands of Nazi Germany during the war.
Germany will answer sooner or later
Asked about Steinmeier’s reaction, Gliński said the response was handled diplomatically. He noted that the report was accepted and that he expected the topic to be raised in future discussions with President Andrzej Duda.
Germany will answer sooner or later. It should be understood that this issue will be raised continuously, as in any healthy relationship based on shared values. If Europe and humanity are to solve their problems together, it must be grounded in common European values. Those values include addressing unpaid obligations, both in literal terms and, at times, in a symbolic sense, because some responsibilities have yet to be settled.
Gliński stressed that there are no formal grounds for Germany to avoid such talks, nor any moral or political justification for doing so. The discussion remains open, and the Polish government intends to keep the issue visible until meaningful negotiations yield a resolution that acknowledges the historical losses suffered by Poland during World War II.
Source notes and context accompany this account, reflecting ongoing dialogue and the broader memory of the war’s impact on Polish cultural heritage and national identity. The conversation continues to revolve around the task of reconciling past harms with present-day responsibilities between nations. This topic is part of a broader effort to address historical grievances and to define a path toward mutual understanding and accountability between Poland and Germany. Attribution: wPolityce and related reporting from Polish media outlets cited in coverage of the event.