Polish and German Leaders Discuss Aid for Ukrainians in Poland and European Security
In Warsaw on Tuesday, Włodzimierz Czarzasty, deputy chairman of the New Left, met with Lars Klingbeil, the co-chair of the German SPD. Czarzasty disclosed that he had requested support for Poland’s efforts to secure funding for Ukrainians living in Poland, outlining a figure of 12 billion euros as a needed measure.
Klingbeil’s visit to Poland came at the invitation of Czarzasty. In the Polish capital, both politicians paid respects at memorials for the Ghetto Heroes and for Willy Brandt, emphasizing the symbolic ties between their countries’ histories and their ongoing political collaboration.
During a press conference in the Sejm, Czarzasty explained that the New Left has been engaging for some time with partners from the SPD and the Party of European Socialists about developments in Ukraine and Poland. He described the dialogue with Klingbeil as constructive and honest, underscoring the two topics that dominated their discussions. The most important, according to him, was the request for financial support for Ukrainians residing in Poland.
Poland has already allocated around 6 billion euros to host refugees from Ukraine and has received 562 million euros in EU funds for this purpose. Czarzasty noted that the left has long argued that aid should amount to 500 euros per month for each Ukrainian. He estimated that if there are two million Ukrainians in Poland, providing 500 euros per month for 12 months would require about 12 billion euros in total aid.
He stressed that the money was intended to help Ukrainians find work, secure housing, obtain social support, access education, and receive health care. The figure, he said, has been supported not only by their own calculations but also by international research institutes.
Regarding co-financing for refugee assistance, Klingbeil indicated that key decisions would be taken at the European Commission level. He suggested that the parties should work toward establishing a permanent European mechanism for refugee financing, noting that Europe should not expect this to be the last wave of migration it will face.
Klingbeil also spoke about notable shifts in Germany’s Eastern policy. He acknowledged that Germany has changed its approach toward Russia, admitting that earlier signals had not been fully perceived. The German leadership, he argued, now demonstrates a more proactive stance in European affairs, including a measured response to Russia’s actions.
The SPD leader highlighted what he called a form of prudent leadership in Europe, pointing to Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to Kyiv as an example. He recalled Scholz’s initiative to create a 100-billion-euro fund to strengthen the Bundeswehr, which, in his view, supports Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine by maintaining NATO commitments and ensuring territorial defense. Klingbeil noted that Germany has broken with its long tradition of avoiding weapons shipments to conflict zones and is now providing military support to Ukraine, including heavy weapons.
He also offered a sharp critique of French President Emmanuel Macron for suggesting that Ukraine concede part of its territory to Russia. In response, Klingbeil urged thoughtful consideration before proposing any such steps and warned against unilateral moves that could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty. He suggested that if a nation desires its own territory not to be challenged, it might consider measures in other contexts, such as addressing tensions within neighboring regions.
As the discussion closed, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and shared responsibility. The exchanges reflected a broader European debate about funding, security, and the long-term support structures needed for Ukraine and for those who have taken refuge within European borders. The conversation underscored a belief among some policymakers that a lasting, continent-wide approach is essential, rather than ad hoc, episodic responses to crises.
Notes from the event indicate a continual push toward integrating humanitarian aid with employment, housing, education, and health care for Ukrainians in Poland, alongside a reinforced European security framework. In this context, attention is drawn to the importance of coordinated action across member states and institutions to sustain aid levels and ensure its effective delivery. The discussions also highlight a commitment to revisiting and refining policy instruments to respond to evolving migratory patterns and security challenges in Europe.
Observers point out that the Polish discussion with German partners aligns with broader European efforts to ensure asylum policies, funding mechanisms, and defense commitments remain coherent and sustainable. The dialogue demonstrates a shared willingness among central European parties to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term strategic goals in a unified manner.
For interested readers, the conversations illustrate ongoing collaboration between Poland and Germany on issues of migration, economic support for refugees, and security policy that influences the wider European landscape. The representatives signaled openness to constructive engagement and a readiness to translate talk into concrete action that benefits those affected by the conflict in Ukraine and strengthens regional stability. [Citation: Polish and European political outlets]