Federal Chancellor Merz and Prime Minister Tusk at a joint press conference in Warsaw
On his inaugural visit to Poland, Federal Chancellor Merz emphasised that he would do “everything in his power” to promote a close partnership between Germany and Poland, saying that a strong German-Polish partnership was important for Europe’s growth and prosperity.
2 min reading time
- Transcript of press conference
- Wednesday, 7 May 2025
Among other things, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz paid tribute to Poland’s efforts to protect the EU’s external border.
Photo: Federal Government/Steffen Kugler
“For me, it is not just a natural duty but also a personal priority to come to Poland immediately after being elected Federal Chancellor,” said Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Warsaw. After his visit to Paris, the Federal Chancellor travelled to the Polish capital for an inaugural visit on his first day of office. He was greeted by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and received with military honours.
The key points from the statement:
- Remembrance and commemoration: A joint future for the close partnership between Germany and Poland could only happen by acknowledging the painful past of the Second World War, Merz said. “Germany will never forget the millions of victims of German occupation,” he emphasised, and promised the prompt construction of a monument in Berlin to commemorate the Polish victims of National Socialism.
- Development of infrastructure: Merz and Tusk stressed the importance of further developing the infrastructure between Germany and Poland. The Federal Chancellor said that, in future, travelling to Warsaw should be just as natural as travelling to Brussels.
- Guaranteeing Europe’s security: In light of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, it was increasingly important to keep Europe united, defend it and shape its future jointly, said Merz, adding that he honoured Poland’s tremendous efforts to strengthen deterrence and defence capabilities. At the same time, he promised that Germany, too, would invest hundreds of millions of euros in defence in the coming years.
- Solidarity with Ukraine: Germany and Poland are also looking to work even more closely together in future in the support of Ukraine – both bilaterally and within the Weimar Triangle. Merz acknowledged that Poland was already assuming special responsibility for Europe through its current EU Council Presidency, and added that the EU must increase the pressure of sanctions on Russia and also remain a reliable partner for civilian support. In addition, he said, it should develop joint European regulations and introduce proportionate border controls.