Germany is losing in the eyes of Poles. Sympathy for neighbors with the lowest score in years

Only one third of Poles declare sympathy for Germans, and the percentage of dislike towards them is the highest in years – the German daily “Tagesspiegel” reported on Monday, citing the results of the latest Poland-Germany Barometer survey.

Only one third of Poles surveyed declare sympathy for Germans, and one fourth feel aversion to them – the highest level in years – writes a German newspaper. The level of acceptance on the part of Poles towards Germans as a superior, brother-in-law or sister-in-law, neighbor, co-worker or friend is also “strikingly low”.

The survey shows that in Germany, the opposite tendency is visible – 42 percent. Germans accept Polish neighbors.

The Poland-Germany Barometer is a project that regularly collects and presents the opinions of Poles and Germans on Polish-German relations and their current challenges. The research has been conducted since 2000 by the Institute of Public Affairs in Warsaw in cooperation with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Poland and the Foundation for Polish-German Cooperation. From 2020, the project partner is the German Institute of Polish Affairs DPI in Darmstadt.

“Research conducted for 25 years shows that the image of a neighbor is not given once and for all,” said Agnieszka Łada-Konefał, deputy director of DPI. In her opinion, the picture changes with political and social trends.

The authors of the survey draw attention to fundamental differences in the approach of Poles and Germans to history. 58 percent Poles believe that Germany should do more to compensate for the crimes committed in World War II. In Germany, every fourth respondent has this opinion. 25% of people support paying reparations to Poland. Poles, but only 2 percent Germans.

“The discussion about reparations has a major impact on the mood in Poland,” said Łada-Konefał. “Most Germans are convinced that this topic is closed. This issue is one of the most difficult lines dividing our societies,” said the deputy director of DPI.

Polish assessment of German European policy has been deteriorating for years. 32 percent Poles believe that Germany rather contributes to the exacerbation of disputes and tensions in Europe. A slightly larger percentage – 35 percent. – believes that German policy supports cooperation in Europe. In 2005, 63 percent had a positive opinion about German European policy. Poles.

The acceptance of aid for Ukraine has been falling systematically in both countries since 2022. In Poland, where the decline is greater, only 45 percent support accepting Ukrainian refugees. asked. 72% support sanctions against Russia. Poles and 62 percent Germans.

“Tagesspiegel” noted that the respondents' answers depend on political preferences. Voters of centrist and liberal parties more often declared a pro-European and friendly attitude towards Germany than supporters of right-wing and far-right parties. (PAP)

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