Chancellor Merz presented three strategic priorities: security and defense, modernization of cross-border infrastructure, and memory and commemoration. “We have agreed on three priorities here. First, security and defense. We are deepening and systematizing our cooperation. The German government reacted immediately after the violation of airspace in Poland. – he pointed out.
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The second point is infrastructure and networking. “We continue to modernize cross-border rail and road infrastructure. Transport ministers will jointly develop an action schedule” — Merz added.
The third priority concerns historical memory. “Today we are giving impetus to the creation of a permanent monument to Polish citizens, victims of World War II and Nazi tyranny. Appropriate tenders will soon begin on the German side.” – said the chancellor.
Return of Polish cultural goods
According to Merz, the German Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a working group responsible for the restitution of Polish cultural assets. “We have just handed over 73 historical parchment manuscripts and a fragment of a sculpture of the head of St. James the Elder,” the chancellor added. He emphasized that these actions have a symbolic and historical dimension, pointing to the need to maintain memory, even the painful one.
Partnership towards the challenges of contemporary Europe
The talks also concerned the situation in Ukraine. Merz emphasized that cooperation with Poland and other partners is crucial to maintaining NATO unity and putting pressure on Russia in the negotiations. “We pursue three strategic goals: we want to support Ukraine, maintain NATO unity and secure the future of Europe. We must not lose sight of the fact that the future of Europe takes place here and nothing can separate us.” – he said.
Merz thanked Donald Tusk for the cooperation so far and reminded that 2026 will be the anniversary of the Polish-German treaty on good-neighborly cooperation. “After the end of World War II and the German atrocities committed against the Polish nation, Germany stands firmly by Poland's side, especially when the unity of Europe is put under pressure. Europeans cannot allow themselves to be divided,” he emphasized.
