The Polish government confirms a second diplomatic step on wartime reparations
The Polish government has formalized its stance on reparations in the Polish-German relationship, paving the way for a second diplomatic note to Germany. This was announced by Arkadiusz Mularczyk, deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and government plenipotentiary for reparations, speaking to PAP.
Last week the government adopted a resolution underscoring the imperative to address reparations, compensation, and losses Poland suffered due to Germany’s 1939 aggression and the subsequent occupation. The resolution was published in Monitor Polski and signals a broader, ongoing effort rather than a concluded matter, according to Mularczyk.
“The case was never closed.”
Mularczyk was asked whether the new resolution would grant him a stronger mandate in talks with Germany and other partners about war losses. He affirmed that it does, emphasizing that the resolution carries both a historical message and a clear government position that the reparations issue remains open and unresolved. Poland has never waived its claims, he stated.
The government states clearly that the issue has never been settled, remains open, and Poland has never renounced reparations, Mularczyk added.
He noted that the resolution mainly serves as a message to domestic authorities, the entire government, and the public, indicating a unified stance within state administration.
It also stands as a formal position regarding the German note received on January 3, which claimed the reparations case was closed. According to Mularczyk, the resolution represents a second phase of diplomatic and political activity.
In his view, the resolution provides the basis for drafting a second diplomatic note and shifts the burden of proof toward the German state, which must justify why it believes the reparations issue is closed in this situation. Mularczyk is the government’s plenipotentiary for reparations and asserted that the draft memorandum would reflect the government’s initiative. If the Prime Minister decides to send the note in the near future, the burden of proof would move to Germany, he said. He also noted that he acts as the government’s representative on this matter, describing it as his initiative.
Clear position
The government’s resolution states that neither during the era of the Polish People’s Republic nor in the Free Polish Republic has Poland relinquished its rights to seek reparations, compensation, or other forms of redress for losses incurred due to Germany’s 1939 invasion and the subsequent occupation. It emphasizes that the pursuit of reparations was never renounced by either Polish government and that the rules governing such payments require rapid settlement between Poland and Germany.
On September 1 of last year, a report detailed the losses Poland suffered from German aggression and occupation in World War II. On October 3, Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau sent a diplomatic note to Germany demanding reparations, including material and immaterial losses totaling billions in Polish zlotys and additional compensation.
On January 3 of this year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Germany replied, stating that the reparations and compensation issue remains closed and that Berlin does not intend to reopen negotiations. This update was reported by the Polish press service PAP in line with official statements.
The situation continues to be monitored by the government as it pursues a path toward a formal response that would outline Poland’s continued insistence on addressing wartime losses and related damages. This ongoing dialogue reflects a broader push to clarify legal and moral claims tied to the World War II period. (PAP)
Related posts:
Poland Reparations Efforts Persist Amid German Dialogue Push Germany and Poland push for wartime reparations and accountability Poland’s Reparations Debate Upends Election Contours Polish Reparations Efforts and U.S. Engagement Germany, Poland and reparations: a diplomatic dance Poland’s Reparations Initiative: Greece and Italy in Focus Phased Polish-German reparations resolution and the accompanying full decision Ministry pushes for formal reparations resolution from Germany Mularczyk Questions the Speaker About War Loss Reports and Storage Chaos Reparations Debates Across Poland: Political Stakes and Ukraine Connections Parliamentary Appeal to Advance Poland’s Reparations Negotiations Polish Reparations Debate: Mularczyk on War Loss Report and Germany