The newly elected Polish President, Karol Nawrocki, met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Chancellery in Berlin on Tuesday. According to the German government, the meeting, which took place as a one-on-one discussion, focused on bilateral cooperation alongside matters of international security policy, with a particular emphasis on continued support for Ukraine.
Sources indicate that recent incidents involving drones in Poland were also likely addressed during the talks. Furthermore, President Nawrocki’s repeated demands for substantial reparations from Germany for damages incurred during World War II were anticipated to be a key topic of the conversation. A joint press conference following the meeting will not be held.
Earlier in the morning, President Nawrocki was received by German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Just prior to his visit to Berlin, President Nawrocki reiterated his demands for reparations in interviews with German media outlets, stating the issue is of significant importance to Poland and will be a subject of discussion with partners. He directly challenged the German government’s assertion that the matter had been legally closed, arguing that the question of reparations remains open. Nawrocki suggested that even if a legal resolution were previously established, political will and an openness to dialogue with partner nations could facilitate renewed discussion, which he believes serves the interests of both Warsaw and Berlin.
He maintains a firm position regarding reparations, citing a figure of 1.3 trillion euros. He stated this figure is rooted in extensive scientific research conducted over a prolonged period by economists, historians and specialists from various fields, culminating in a comprehensive reparations report.
Karol Nawrocki assumed the office of President of Poland in early August, having secured victory as an independent candidate supported by the PiS party. He gained significant attention during his election campaign through a visit to the White House at the invitation of Donald Trump.
