In an interview published Wednesday by Gazeta Wyborcza, Ambassador Miguel Berger acknowledged the brutality of Nazi Germany’s occupation of Poland but said some Polish politicians view Germany through an outdated lens.
“There are politicians in Poland who seem to have an image of Germany that dates back to the 1950s,” Berger said, adding that such divisions are further amplified by Russian propaganda aimed at undermining European and NATO unity.
Berger stressed that Germany fully understands the historical trauma and its responsibility, but urged a shift in focus to immediate security concerns. “Let us concentrate on matters of direct importance for our security and future,” he said.
He criticized the renewed push for reparations, saying it appears to serve political interests rather than genuine resolution.
“In our view, this distracts from more important issues and hinders cooperation on security,” Berger stated.
The ambassador said Berlin recognizes the political importance for the Polish government of addressing compensation for surviving victims of the German occupation but did not confirm whether a new proposal is being prepared.
Berger described recent Polish-German intergovernmental consultations in Berlin as “good and constructive,” and expressed hopes of deepening bilateral defense cooperation within NATO. He noted that cooperation between the two countries' defense industries has so far been limited but could be expanded.
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Source: PAP, Gazeta Wyborcza