German Chancellor is set to meet with Polish Prime Minister in Warsaw on Wednesday on a farewell visit.
The state of German-Poland relations, and European security are expected to be some of the major topics of discussion on the visit.
The meeting comes as center-left Scholz prepares to transfer his duties to conservative leader Friedrich Merz, following a .
Scholz, who became chancellor in 2021, has served as a caretaker in recent months, following the of his governing coalition late last year.
The visit also comes as Poland is slated to have presidential elections on May 18. Incumbent Polish President Andrzej Duda is unable to run again for his office due to term limits.
Germany-Poland relations fraught during Scholz years
Relations between Germany and Poland have faced challenges during Scholz’s time as chancellor.
The issue of German compensation for Polish victims of World War II is one major sticking point between Berlin and Warsaw.
In 2022, Poland’s former right-wing populist in World War II reparations from Scholz’s government. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who served in Scholz’s Cabinet, said the issue of WWII reparations for Poland after Warsaw’s request.
Last year, Scholz’s government planned to provide €200 million to living Polish victims of World War II. Polish media reported that Tusk, a member of the center to center-right Civic Platform, viewed this offering as too low.
Another major issue of contention between the countries is migration.
In 2023, the to migrants from Asia and Africa in return for thousands of dollars. The German government had summoned Poland’s ambassador over the .
Scholz’s approach to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has also differed from that of Poland.
Scholz to provide Ukraine with Taurus long-range missiles fearing an escalation in the conflict. Meanwhile, members of Tusk’s government, such as Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, have voiced support for Taurus deliveries to Ukraine.
Friedrich Merz: A new era for German-Polish ties?
Friedrich Merz is expected to be elected as Germany’s next chancellor on May 6.
After he assumes the role, Merz is expected to visit both in his first foreign trip.
“People in Warsaw are looking forward to Merz. After Scholz, they believe things can only get better,” Piotr Buras, the head of the European Council of Foreign Relations office in Warsaw told the German Süddeutsche Zeitung.
Merz might find a kindred spirit in Tusk, due to their shared conservative leanings.
Merz’s positions are closer to those of Poland on some issues than Scholz. he is open to providing Ukraine with Taurus missiles, in coordination with European allies.
Edited by: Zac Crellin
The post Germany’s Scholz to meet Poland’s Tusk in Warsaw visit appeared first on Deutsche Welle.
