Deepening Bilateral Relationship: German-Polish Collaboration

In the three decades since the German-Polish Treaty on Good Neighborhood and Friendly Cooperation was signed in 1991, the relationship between Germany and Poland has flourished. The treaty, serving as the foundation for political dialogue and inter-societal contacts, has paved the way for a myriad of bilateral programs that have supported over 3 million young people.

The evolution of these relations entered a new phase with Poland's accession to NATO in 1999, the European Union in 2004, and the Schengen Area in 2007. This period marked a significant milestone in the strengthening of the bond between the two nations.

The German-Polish Government Commission for Cross-Border and Interregional Cooperation, established to oversee these initiatives, meets annually. The commission, co-chaired by Ambassador Catalina Cullas (Germany) and Paweł Dąbrówski (Poland), is supported by four committees working in the fields of cross-border cooperation, spatial planning, interregional cooperation, and educational cooperation.

One of the commission's most notable achievements is the establishment of the informal network "Oder Partnership," which includes the Länder Berlin, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, and the west Polish voivodeships of Greater Poland, West Pomerania, Lower Silesia, and Lubusz. This partnership fosters collaboration in various sectors, promoting a spirit of unity and cooperation.

The Foundation for German-Polish Cooperation (FPPC) has funded around 16,000 joint projects over the past 30 years, contributing to the enhancement of cross-border ties. Notable among these initiatives is the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, which has awarded over 1,300 Humboldt Research Fellowships and Humboldt Research Awards to individuals from Poland for stays in Germany since 1953.

Educational exchanges have also been a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. In 2020, a total of 2,198 students, graduates, and scientists from both countries were supported in university, science, and research exchange. This exchange not only strengthens academic ties but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other's cultures.

In recognition of outstanding contributions to German-Polish reconciliation, the German-Polish Prize, endowed with 20,000 euros, is awarded based on the 1991 Neighborhood Treaty. Alfred Nossol, a Polish theologian born in Upper Silesia, was a recipient of this prestigious award for his role as a pioneer of German-Polish reconciliation and for his "Reconciliation Mass" linked to the historic meeting of Willy Brandt and Tadeusz Mazowiecki.

Trade between the two nations has also been robust, with Germany being Poland's most important trading partner for over two decades. This economic interdependence serves as a testament to the strong and enduring bond between the two nations.

The German Bundestag's decision to create a prominent site in Berlin dedicated to the Polish victims of World War II and the Nazi occupation further underscores the importance Germany places on remembering and honouring its shared history with Poland.

Over 2.2 million people of Polish origin live in Germany, and over 880,000 Polish citizens reside in Germany. The presence of these communities serves as a living testament to the strong cultural ties that bind the two nations.

The German-Polish relationship is further strengthened by over 500 twinning partnerships, three twin cities, and four Euroregions that exist between Germany and Poland. These partnerships foster a spirit of unity and cooperation, bridging the cultural and geographical gaps between the two nations.

Looking ahead, the German-Polish Prize is expected to be awarded again at the next German-Polish Forum in 2025, continuing the tradition of recognising outstanding contributions to German-Polish reconciliation and cooperation. The future of the German-Polish relationship looks bright, with continued collaboration and cooperation in various sectors.