Polish president calls for reparations at WWII ceremony

Polish President Karol Nawrocki called for Germany to settle World War II reparations during a ceremony marking the 87th anniversary of the Nazi invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939. The attacks began on that fateful day, which marked the start of World War II. Two days later, Britain and France declared war on Nazi Germany. President Nawrocki, a nationalist historian, emphasized the need for a "true, firm alliance" towards Poland, stating that Germany and neighboring nations must pay compensation.

Poland would transfer any funds to the Polish armed forces and arms industry to avoid taking Western loans. The current government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, has not pursued the full sum of €1.3 trillion demanded by the previous nationalist government but has not abandoned the pursuit of reparations. In 2024, Polish foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski urged Germany to find creative ways to compensate for the war losses.

Germany has historically considered the matter closed, basing its stance on Poland's renunciation of war reparations in 1953, which was claimed to have been made by Polish communist authorities. Speaking at the ceremony held at Westerplatte, President Tusk emphasized the need for unity among Western allies, referencing Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Polish leaders gather annually on September 1 at Westerplatte, the site of the fierce seven-day defense against German forces. The Soviet Union invaded Poland from the east on September 17, 1939, as part of a secret pact with Nazi Germany, leading to Poland's surrender and the exile of its government. Over six million Polish citizens, about 20% of the pre-war population, perished during the brutal six-year Nazi occupation.