BERLIN/WARSAW. The federal government has announced financial support for the victims who are still alive the German occupation of Poland during World War II want to make available. “Germany knows the seriousness of its guilt, its responsibility for the millions of victims of the German occupation and the mission that stems from it,” said Chancellor Scholz (SPD) on tuesday during a joint press conference of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The situation of elderly victims is a major concern for the governments of both countries, Scholz stressed. The chancellor left it unclear when the compensation would be paid and what amounts were planned for it. Tusk announced that the support should start in just a few months.
“There is no amount of money that would compensate for everything that happened in World War II,” the Polish head of government stressed. Legally, the reparations have been completed, but the aid promised by the federal government could serve to open up German-Polish relations. “Good gestures” are “also very important” in politics, Tusk stressed.
The Polish and German governments want stronger military cooperation
In principle, German-Polish cooperation should be deepened in the future. “From the beginning, we want to build an atmosphere of trust, despite different perspectives and interests. But we are looking for solutions,” Tusk said. Both countries are planning common defense strategies. Given Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine It is “important that Germany is prepared” to take on significantly greater responsibility “to ensure that there is no war in Europe.”
In concrete terms, the armed forces of both countries should cooperate more closely – for example, by increasing “interoperability and standardization” of defense capabilities and increasing “production capabilities.” Joint initiatives should be developed for tanks and ammunition. The availability of spare parts for Leopard battle tanks should also be increased. Both countries have supplied Leopard tanks to Ukraine in the past.
Germany and Poland should be transformed into a “stronger and more effective European pillar in NATO”. The Polish government is also considering joining the German-led ‘European Sky Shield’ initiative.
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