At the 17th German-Polish intergovernmental consultations at the Federal Chancellery, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk set the course for future cooperation. “We want Poland to be a strong partner for a secure, free and prosperous Europe,” said Merz.

Both governments agreed on a comprehensive joint declaration PDF, 186 KB, not barrier-free that consolidates the security policy, infrastructure and historical partnership between the two countries. Military honours, bilateral talks and a plenary session framed the consultations.

On the occasion of the intergovernmental consultations, Germany handed over 73 historical parchments and the fragment “Head of St James the Elder” to Poland in the presence of Federal Chancellor Merz and Prime Minister Tusk. According to the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, Wolfram Weimer, these are documents from the time of the Teutonic Order that were held by the Secret State Archives.

The most important points in brief:

• Joint declaration on the future of cooperation: “Germany and Poland are indispensable partners,” reads a joint declaration adopted during the intergovernmental consultations. Three focal points form the basis for the cooperation: security and defence, networking and infrastructure, and remembrance.
• In the area of “security and defence”, joint NATO airspace surveillance is to be intensified, as is cooperation in the detection and defence against drones.
• In the area of “networking and infrastructure”, Federal Chancellor Merz mentioned the modernisation of cross-border railway lines, such as Angermünde-Stettin.
• In the area of “remembrance”, the Federal Government wants to set an example and promote the erection of a memorial to the Polish victims of National Socialism during the Second World War.
• Support for Ukraine: both countries reaffirmed their military and political support for Ukraine. In addition to military aid for Ukraine, the utilisation of frozen Russian assets in the EU should be enforced. The transatlantic community must stick together “as best we can”.
• Securing European unity: according to Merz, the unity of Europe is at stake in Ukraine. The clear message is therefore that no wedge should be driven between the European partners. Germany and Poland want to act in close coordination to ensure stability and the ability of Europe to act.

Read the transcript of the press conference here (in German only):