The leaders’ summit between Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was overshadowed on Monday by a renewed confrontation over World War II reparations, deepening a historic disagreement that threatens efforts to rebuild trust between the two neighbors. While the meeting was intended to focus on defense, border management, and support for Ukraine, the emotionally charged reparations debate dominated the talks.

Reparations Debate Reignites Tensions

Standing beside Merz, Tusk argued that Poland never received just compensation for the destruction and atrocities inflicted during Germany’s 1939–1945 occupation. Responding to pressure from the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) opposition, Tusk adopted a tougher stance than in recent months, criticizing Berlin’s refusal to pay and questioning Germany’s insistence that the matter was legally settled decades ago. He insisted that Poles “never had a voice” when Poland allegedly renounced reparations during the Soviet-controlled 1950s, a position echoed by PiS leaders including current President Karol Nawrocki.

Merz Calls for Historical Responsibility, Not Division

Merz emphasized the need to preserve painful historical memories while ensuring they bring nations closer rather than driving them apart. Berlin maintains that past agreements closed the reparations question legally, but the German government announced new measures to ease Polish frustration, including plans for a Berlin memorial dedicated to Polish victims of Nazi rule and renewed efforts to return looted cultural artifacts. Germany also pledged to explore additional support mechanisms for victims of Nazi aggression, though previous initiatives—such as compensation proposals under former Chancellor Olaf Scholz—remain unimplemented.

Unresolved Issues Strain Wider Cooperation

The revived reparations dispute risks complicating negotiations on broader tensions, from border controls to the investigation into the Nord Stream pipeline explosions. Tusk has repeatedly warned that while there may be a moral argument for reparations, legally pursuing the issue could damage ties with Poland’s largest economic partner. He urged Germany to accelerate support for surviving Polish victims, noting that their numbers have fallen from more than 60,000 last year to around 50,000 today. If Berlin fails to move faster, Tusk suggested Poland could provide its own compensation.

Shared Priorities on Ukraine Amid Deep Divisions

Despite their disagreements, both leaders reaffirmed close coordination on Ukraine, describing cooperation as unprecedented. They cautioned against radical forces in both countries that seek to inflame nationalist sentiment and erode bilateral trust. Tusk stressed that neither anti-German sentiment in Poland nor anti-Polish sentiment in Germany should be allowed to derail the partnership, insisting such efforts “will not succeed.”