Polish President Karl Nawrocki has reiterated Poland’s demand for war reparations from Germany for damages caused during World War II. The statement was made on September 1, the anniversary of WWII's outbreak and Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939.
Nawrocki emphasized that as a frontline state and crucial NATO member, Poland requires justice, transparent relations with Germany, and historical compensation. In 2022, Poland estimated possible reparations at $1.5 trillion.
The reparations issue remains contentious. Officially, Poland renounced claims against Germany in 1953 under Soviet pressure. Current Polish authorities argue that this decision was unjust. Now, both countries are EU members, with Germany being Poland’s major economic investor.
Ukrainian political analyst Maksym Nesvitailov believes that the reparations demand is untimely amid contemporary security challenges and war in Europe, and sees the latest Polish statements as political populism.
The topic has sparked debate among the public and experts in both countries.
