Germany has returned various cultural artifacts to Poland as part of the German-Polish Forum. These items were either confiscated or relocated during the German occupation of World War II, as the Foreign Office announced on Wednesday. These returns symbolize the two countries’ close collaboration in dealing with historical injustice and are described as “an expression of German responsibility towards Poland.”
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) stated that the restitution of the cultural goods signifies mutual respect and a lasting German commitment. Furthermore, Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer emphasized that the return of the hymn “Gaude Mater Polonia” is a significant gesture acknowledging historical wrongdoing. Marion Ackermann, president of the Prussian Cultural Foundation, expressed her satisfaction over the return of a manuscript to Poland, calling it “a testament to one of the darkest periods of German-Polish history.”
Meanwhile, Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) explained that the return of railway models and other items, which coincided with the 35th anniversary of the German-Polish Friendship Treaty, served as “a sign of living partnership.”
According to the Foreign Office, cooperation in repatriating cultural goods displaced during the war has significantly increased since the German-Polish government consultations held on December 1, 2025. A German-Polish working group, established at the initiative of Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and overseen by the Foreign Office, is jointly managing ongoing return cases with the Polish Ministry of Culture, the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and Media, and the embassies of both nations.
