Today in Warsaw, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met for the first time since 2018. The two leaders aim to enhance cooperation in light of security challenges and the evolving political landscape in Europe.
The nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) government previously strained relations between the two countries. Still, the pro-European coalition under Tusk, which came to power last December, has improved their relationship.
Germany, Poland, and France are key EU economies and members of the ”Weimar Triangle” group. They also face significant security challenges due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and regular Russian disinformation campaigns targeting their national institutions. Foreign interference has contributed to the rise of the far-right in both countries, particularly the AfD in Germany and Konfederacja in Poland.
Geopolitical challenges
The geopolitical environment is also warring, as the risk of Marine Le Pen’s party’s rise in France and the possibility of Donald Trump returning as U.S. president increase concerns among EU leaders.
As Germany, Poland and France are part of the ”Weimar Triangle” grouping, intergovernmental consultations also focused on the French legislative elections.
“In many places, we can see the growth of forces that do not hide their Eurosceptic attitude,” Tusk told a joint news conference with Scholz in Warsaw.
Tusk called on moderate, reasonable, pro-European forces to “find convincing answers to what has become important for ordinary people—the effective fight against illegal migration, security, greater economic sustainability, and increased industrial coordination.”
Scholz said he was sure that relations between Paris, Berlin and Warsaw would remain strong despite Marine Le Pen’sPen’s far-right National Rally (RN) party rising in France.
Scholz emphasised the pro-European stance of both German and Polish nations and governments.
Boosting defence cooperation
Following today’s intergovernmental talks, the two governments presented a joint action plan that, despite differences, emphasised the importance of discussing boosting defence cooperation. The plan envisages a stronger NATO presence on the alliance’s eastern border and the coordination of Ukraine aid.
However, although the Polish Prime Minister has been a vocal proponent of common EU financing of defence projects, the German Chancellor doesn’t agree with involving the EU in financing arms purchases or national defence budgets.
Tusk said his country is spending vast amounts of money on armaments and called on it to coordinate its efforts with those of other countries. He also said he would continue emphasising the importance of coordination in defence purchases.
“We want a strong Polish voice in Europe because the security of our countries is inextricably linked. We stand for this as neighbours, NATO allies, and EU partners. Dear @donaldtusk, thank you for the constructive government consultations!” German Chancellor posted on X after the conclusion of the intergovernmental meeting.
Germany will support WW2 surviving victims
The Nazi German occupation of Poland left the country in ruins and resulted in the deaths of approximately a fifth of its population. Notably, the vast majority of its 3 million Jewish citizens perished during this period.
Chancellor Scholz mentioned that Germany would endeavour “to take measures to support the surviving victims of the German aggression and occupation between 1939 and 1945.”
Furthermore, the German government has already allocated funds for the establishment of a “German-Polish House” in Berlin as a memorial to the victims of Nazi Germany’s occupation of Poland.
