During his inaugural visit as Federal Chancellor to Warsaw on Sunday evening, Olaf Scholz recalled the historic moments of exactly 40 years ago: on the night of 12-13 December 1981, martial law was imposed in what was then the People’s Republic of Poland to crush the democracy movement there. Federal Chancellor Scholz also noted the importance of the Polish-German Treaty of Good Neighbourhood that was signed 30 years ago. He said it was enormously fortunate for the two leaders to be able to stand alongside each other today as friends and neighbours.

Firm response to Belarus

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz assured the Polish government of support in the dispute over refugees at the border with Belarus, saying that what the Belarusian side was doing was inhuman. “We must join together in repudiating these actions.” The abuse of human beings for political purposes was unacceptable, said Scholz, saying that Germany was in solidarity with Poland in this matter. Federal Chancellor Scholz stressed that it was unacceptable for this form of hybrid warfare to be used for the purpose of blackmail.

Revival of the Normandy format

Both Federal Chancellor Scholz and Prime Minister Morawiecki expressed concern about the situation in Ukraine. In this connection, Scholz emphasised the fundamental principle of the inviolability of borders. At the same time, it was important to remain in dialogue with all partners, he said. According to Federal Chancellor Scholz, a revival of the Normandy format could be another important step along this path.

Common tasks in Europe

The first meeting between Federal Chancellor Scholz and the Polish head of government also served the purpose of further coordination in preparation for the European Council meeting to be held in Brussels on 16 December. The most urgent task will be for European partner countries to take further decisive action against the coronavirus. As a matter of principle, Federal Chancellor Scholz stated: “We feel responsible for the success of Europe as a whole and for the improvement of the Union.” It was now necessary to avoid divisions between north and south, east and west, said Scholz. At the end of the talks, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw.