Scholz: ‘We are aware of our responsibility for the millions of victims of the German occupation’

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, “We are aware of our responsibility towards the millions of victims of the German occupation.” German Prime Minister Olaf Scholz is visiting Poland. Scholz, the first German Chancellor to visit Poland since 2018, was welcomed in the capital Warsaw by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Following the welcome, Tusk made a statement on his social media account, saying, “Today, Europe needs strong leadership and a common stance on security issues.” Scholz and Tusk, who attended intergovernmental consultations for the first time since 2018, later held a joint press conference. Starting his remarks by expressing his pleasure to be in Warsaw, Olaf Scholz said, “We had productive discussions. I would like to thank you on behalf of the entire German government for your invitation and hospitality.”
Scholz stated, “Germany and Poland are good neighbors, close partners, and reliable friends. We intend to further expand our cooperation. It seems possible to enter into closer cooperation in various areas of the two countries. During our meeting today, we accepted a new Poland-Germany Action Plan. Poland and Germany will implement a series of programs and projects that will be beneficial to both countries.”
“We are aware of our responsibility towards the millions of victims of the German occupation,” said Scholz, emphasizing that global problems and challenges must be faced together, and that ensuring the security of Europe can only be achieved in this way. Scholz also added that Germany desires a strong Poland in Europe.
Referring to the events of the Second World War, Olaf Scholz stated, “This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising and the 85th anniversary of Germany’s attack on Poland. We Germans caused indescribable pain to Poland during World War II. We are aware of our responsibility towards the millions of victims of the German occupation. Therefore, we are also aware of our duties. Germany will show support to those who suffered from these pains. We will establish a center in Berlin to commemorate the Polish victims of World War II and the Nazi occupation.”
“The security of Poland and Germany is interconnected,” stated Scholz, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in security matters between the two countries. He expressed solidarity with Ukraine in its relentless struggle against Russia’s imperialist war.
Donald Tusk welcomed the proposals of Scholz and the German government regarding the events of World War II, emphasizing that they were not disappointed. Tusk mentioned the importance of Germany prioritizing the security of the entire continent, considering it as a significant step towards addressing past events.
Discussing cooperation on EU borders and the European Sky Shield, Donald Tusk stated, “Security is also a priority for me. All of Europe, especially Poland and Ukraine, faces certain risks due to its borders with Russia and Belarus. Scholz has also emphasized the serious problems this situation poses for Poland.”
Prime Minister Tusk highlighted that Poland is facing risks of sabotage activities, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in security, migration issues, and securing European borders. He expressed satisfaction with Scholz’s approach on these matters.
Emphasizing the importance of the ‘Eastern Shield’ project for European border security, Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that it is in Germany’s interest to effectively protect the eastern border of Europe. Tusk expressed contentment with Germany’s approach and statements regarding cooperation on pending issues and the European Sky Shield.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated, “Poland is one of the greatest victims of World War II. Germany, one of the perpetrators of the events of World War II, must effectively ensure the security of a free and democratic Europe today. The tragedy of war should never happen again on our lands.”