We have a real chance to strengthen Polish -German relations in such a way that they serve the best of Poland, Germany and Europe – said Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Wednesday after meeting the new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The head of the Polish government turned to Merz, saying that he knew very well the views of the German Chancellor and his attitude towards Polish-German relations and Europe. “I know enough to be an optimist today about the future of our relationships,” the prime minister emphasized.
According to the prime minister, the gesture of Merz, consisting in visiting Paris and Warsaw on the first day of office, “shows very clearly how important for the future of Europe – and that is, in some sense that for the future of the world – there are Polish -German relations, how important a strong Europe is.” “And a strong Europe will only be when we take a common and full responsibility for it,” he added.
Merz took an oath on the Bundestag on Tuesday. Earlier, the parliament chose the CDU leader as Chancellor, and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier gave him an act of nomination. The new German Chancellor came to Warsaw on Wednesday.
Berlin, Paris, Warsaw
I am convinced that in the near future we will find a moment to meet as a Weimarski triangle – said Prime Minister Donald Tusk during a conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He added that in his opinion the future of Europe largely depends on how this format will function.
During the joint conference with Maror, the head of the Polish government drew attention to the order of these meetings and that he will appear in Nancy in turn in a few dozen hours, where he would sign a new Polish-French treaty.
“I am convinced that we will find in the near future and – I strongly urge it – this moment to meet as a Weimarski triangle, not always used as it should. And I am convinced – as a veteran of these Polish -German -French works – that the future of Europe really depends on how this Weimarski triangle will work,” he said.
The prime minister stipulated that you need a new impetus and energy. “We know that you guarantee it,” he turned to Merz.
Protection of borders, i.e. a difficult topic in common relations
Protection of the Polish border with Belarus and Russia is a common task and duty of Europe – said Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Wednesday, during a joint press conference with the new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. That is why I cannot imagine that in the future Poland would become a victim of any EU activities – he added.
During the conference, the Prime Minister announced that the protection of the Polish border with Belarus and Russia is a common task and duty of all of Europe, “and therefore also a German” – said the prime minister.
Tusk emphasized that therefore Poland takes on “the whole burden of responsibility for the protection of this border”. As he reminded, we have invested billions of zlotys in infrastructure, which “allows you to stop illegal migration and increase security in the face of potential aggression from the eastern neighbor.”
He emphasized that we practically closed the trail of illegal migration organized by Belarus, Russia and international groups of smugglers. That is why he added – “we expect not only understanding, but full support in these tasks.”
The Prime Minister noted that he could not imagine that in the future Poland would become “victim of any actions in the European Union”, because, as he specified, Poland took on “the greatest burden when it comes to migrants from Ukraine and the greatest burden when it comes to investments in defending the external border of the European Union.”
New opening
With full responsibility I announce a new opening, perhaps the most important in the history of the last several years, in Polish -German relations – said Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Wednesday after meeting the new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
“We need to be much easier and faster to be able to move by rail from Warsaw to Berlin, from Berlin to Warsaw” – emphasized Tusk.
“I am glad that we were enough today five minutes to tell ourselves that the high speed rail should connect our countries and more broadly – Europe and that we need joint investments for this,” said the prime minister, emphasizing that “Poland is ready”.
According to Tusk, you will also need Polish-German cooperation regarding NATO infrastructure.
“I really announce a new opening with full responsibility today, perhaps the most important in the history of the last several years, in Polish-German relations” – emphasized the head of the Polish government.
The Schengen zone?
Prime Minister Donald Tusk, after meeting the German Chancellor Friedrich Mierz, emphasized the need to maintain the Schengen zone. I understand the need for strengthened control, but it should apply primarily to the external borders of the European Union – he said.
“Sometimes we have already talked about it. This topic evokes justified emotions, fears, and also directly affects the fate of not only Germany and Poland, but also all of Europe,” said the head of the Polish government.
“I am very pleased that we are looking for solutions, symmetrical and European solutions together. Our care (…) should be Schengen. I understand the need for strengthened control, but this enhanced control should be dedicated primarily to the external borders of the European Union,” the Polish prime minister assessed.
Controls on the Polish-German border have been in force since October 2023. On Wednesday, German media has announced that from now all illegal migrants will be turned back at the borders of Germany, even if they apply for asylum. (PAP)
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