Poland’s President Calls for WWII Reparations from Germany

2025-09-02 05:20:53

(MENAFN) Poland’s president called for World War II reparations from Germany during a Monday ceremony marking the 86th anniversary of the conflict’s European outbreak, stressing that such compensation was crucial to building a truthful and cooperative future between the two nations.

“In order to build a partnership built on truth and good relations, we must deal with the issue of reparations from the German state which, as Polish president, I unequivocally demand, for the common good,” Karol Nawrocki said in a statement, reported by a local broadcaster.

Nawrocki emphasized that reparations were essential for Poland’s justice and national integrity. “Reparations are not an alternative to historical amnesia,” he declared. “Poland, as a frontline state, as the most important country on the eastern flank of NATO, needs justice and truth and clear relations with Germany, but we also need reparations from the German state.”

The president’s comments were made at the Westerplatte peninsula in northern Poland, the site of a pivotal moment in World War II when German forces opened fire from the battleship Schleswig-Holstein, marking the start of hostilities in Europe. The commemoration was attended by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, along with senior government officials and ministers.

While Nawrocki focused on historical accountability, Tusk centered his speech on Poland’s modern security landscape, urging a sharp focus on identifying the nation’s current threats. He referred to Westerplatte as a "sacred place" dedicated to Poland’s fallen heroes and as a stark reminder of the necessity to prevent future foreign aggression.

“We must be wise, and therefore understand who is our enemy and who is our ally,” Tusk said, according to a news agency. “We must understand well where this great threat comes from today and with whom we should unite in our efforts to defend Poland, the entire Western world, our civilization, the civilization of freedom.”

Tusk specifically identified NATO and European nations as Poland’s key allies in safeguarding regional stability amid growing tensions with Russia.

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