Poland's leader to press for war compensation in a tense trip to Berlin
In the political landscape of Europe, Polish President Karol Nawrocki's recent actions have sparked debate and raised concerns among allies. Last week, Russian drones infiltrated Polish airspace, an incident that prompted a call from U.S. President Donald Trump to Nawrocki, not the incumbent Prime Minister Donald Tusk, according to a European official. This move, while seen as a show of support for Nawrocki, has fueled speculation about the shifting dynamics of Polish foreign policy. Nawrocki, a nationalist backed by the opposition populist right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party, was elected in June on a platform that includes calls for reparations from the German government. His continued demand for reparations, a demand that the German government has not agreed to pay, may raise tensions between NATO allies during a time of war, according to critics. A survey conducted recently found that 54% of respondents support the idea of reparations, while 27% oppose it. Nawrocki has attempted to tie the reparations demand to the joint European fight against Russian aggression, a connection that some view as a strategic move to garner support. Relations between Poland and Germany have been strained due to historical destruction caused by Nazi Germany, lingering resentments, and disagreements over the EU's influence. A temporary memorial commemorating Polish victims of Nazi Germany was erected in Berlin in April, with plans for a permanent memorial, but the German Bundestag must pass a resolution before it can be erected. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has suggested that the German government give a 'visible sign' acknowledging the damage Poland suffered during the war, such as a documentation center or memorial. However, these suggestions have not been met with immediate approval from the German government, particularly from Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who prefers to work with Tusk. The strained relations have not gone unnoticed by European leaders. Rolf Nikel of the German Council on Foreign Relations and Germany's former ambassador to Poland stated that anything that hinders unity between Germany, Poland, and other European countries plays into Putin's hands. Knut Abraham, a coordinator on Polish relations at the German foreign ministry, echoed this sentiment, stating that a half sentence wrongly uttered can lead to major upheavals. During Nawrocki's visit to Berlin, he is expected to speak with the German Chancellor and President. The current Polish Foreign Minister responsible for Poland's foreign and defense policy is Radosław Sikorski, serving since December 2023. The meeting promises to be a significant event in the ongoing saga of Poland-Germany relations. In the midst of these diplomatic maneuvers, Nawrocki must decide which tune he wants to play, according to Rolf Nikel. The outcome of this decision could have far-reaching implications for Poland, Germany, and the broader European Union.
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