During a visit to Berlin, Deputy Foreign Ministry Chief Arkadiusz Mularczyk spoke with Deutsche Welle about the potential for a real, substantive Polish-German dialogue on the touchiest issues in their bilateral relationship. He suggested that both countries should sit down and openly address the topics that have historically strained cooperation, with an understanding that progress will require courage, clarity, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths together rather than in isolated, piecemeal meetings.
He acknowledged that many of these sensitive questions demand broad political consensus, not only within the German Government but also in the Bundestag. The central issues include compensation for the Second World War, the underrepresentation of Polish civilian victims in commemorations, and imbalances in funding for Polish language education. Each topic is extensive in its own right, yet he and his German counterparts agreed to draft a concise list of discussion points. If circumstances allow, they envisioned a formal meeting in the Bundestag on May 22 to push these matters forward through coordinated, high-level dialogue rather than fragmented talks at lower levels.
He observed that piecemeal encounters with individual ministers or junior officials often fail to move the needle because bureaucratic inertia slows political decision-making. In his view, meaningful resolution will require bold, concerted policy choices that transcend one minister or deputy minister. The aim is to elevate the conversation to a level where decisive steps can be taken, with a shared sense of urgency and responsibility.
In this context, Mularczyk noted that a version of the Report on Losses suffered by Poland as a result of German aggression and occupation could be ready by the time the dialogue resumes. He framed the document as a potential turning point that could recalibrate public understanding and political appetite for constructive reparations discussions, arguing that many Germans may not have seen the full report or understood its contents as they stand today.
He argued that it is indefensible for Germany to engage in reparations discussions with Tanzania or to create funds for Namibia, while not addressing the core claims and neighbors most directly affected by World War II. Such a pattern of unequal handling, he suggested, undermines trust and undermines the moral clarity needed to repair the past in a credible, lasting way.
The deputy minister pointed to a broader concern about the treatment of victims of colonial histories versus those of Polish civilians during the war. He drew attention to the handling of cultural artifacts, noting that some items from Benin have been returned in moments of spotlight while other Polish wartime losses remain unaddressed. He argued that a consistent, equitable approach to victim restitution should extend to the Polish victims who endured German occupation and wartime looting, rather than offering selective or uneven responses that seem to privilege one set of historical grievances over another.
Beyond monetary and material redress, Mularczyk emphasized the need for visible, durable memorials that recognize Poland’s wartime sufferings and the German occupation. He expressed disappointment with the slow pace of the commemorative project in Berlin, describing it as lacking momentum and political energy. He urged a sustained, multi-faceted push from all sides to establish a meaningful monument as a clear signal of remembrance and reconciliation, arguing that public recognition plays a critical role in shaping future cooperation and preventing a relapse into old grievances.
He stressed that the dialogue must be grounded in facts, empathy, and a shared commitment to responsible diplomacy. The goal is not to rehearse blame but to lay a foundation for practical steps—capable, transparent, and backed by credible documentation—that can help both nations move forward while honoring the memory of those affected by this dark chapter in history. In closing, he reiterated the importance of sustained political will and constructive pressure from multiple quarters to translate talk into tangible outcomes, and to finally bring some closure to long-standing disputes that have too often complicated ties between Poland and Germany.
The conversation, as reported, reflects a careful balance between asserting national concerns and seeking a cooperative path forward. It signals a willingness to put aside junior disagreements and pursue higher-level, strategic decisions that can redefine how the two countries understand their shared history and its ongoing impact on present-day relations.
gah/dw.com
Source: wPolityce