Today, Poland and Germany are not only neighbours and friends but also close partners on equal terms and trustworthy allies, permanently rooted in the European and Euro-Atlantic structures. Following a long period of mutual division and distrust, the Treaty not only became material for the Polish–German reconciliation but also initiated enhanced, trust-based cooperation across all areas.

The institutional and legal framework established 35 years ago enabled the unprecedented development of Polish–German cooperation, driven primarily by the commitment of the two societies.

Our states have since changed fundamentally. But above all, Russia’s full-scale aggression
on Ukraine has fundamentally altered our geopolitical setting. Mindful of the tragic history
of the 20th century, as NATO allies and partners in the EU, we are particularly responsible
for our region and continent. The Russian aggression against Ukraine has put us in a new political reality. It has been a touchstone of our responsibility and effectiveness.
Joint commitment towards enhancing Europe’s security is today’s geopolitical must.
It is well exemplified by the Polish–German contribution to the security of the eastern flank.
We are satisfied to note the conclusion on 17 June of a new Polish–German defence cooperation agreement. It testifies to our determination to act together. The Polish–German partnership remains a pillar of a strong, united Europe and a credible NATO.

Russia’s aggressive actions, including in particular hybrid and disinformation activities, are also aimed at us. They seek to sow social division, undermine public order, and erode trust in the state and its institutions. We will not be intimidated. We will effectively boost our resilience and educate our societies. Our overarching goal is to protect European values, including the rule
of law and transparent electoral processes, and to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine that would strengthen Europe’s security. We take the lessons history has taught us seriously. “No more war” is not an empty slogan but a commitment to future generations.

Recognising Germany’s guilt, we regard this tragic chapter of our history as an enduring warning. Eighty-one years after the end of World War II, the last witnesses of those events are passing away. We believe that history can not only divide but also unite. That requires mutual understanding, sensitivity, and concrete steps, in a spirit of the joint declaration of 1 December 2025, ones that go beyond the sphere of symbolic gestures. We welcome new developments
in the process to erect a memorial in central Berlin to Polish citizens who were victims of World War II and the Nazi terror of 1939–1945 and we eagerly await the outcome of the procedure later this year. We appreciate the Federal Government’s decisions taken so far to return looted cultural property to Poland. We expect more to come soon.

Our economic cooperation gives us special reasons to be satisfied. Trade between Poland and Germany has grown multiple times in recent decades. Germany ranks third among the world’s largest economies, while Poland aspires to join the top 20. The structure and nature of our trade relations have significantly evolved. This translates into sharing prosperity, creating new jobs, and cementing social ties. To fully unleash our socioeconomic potential, we need a new impetus. Entrepreneurs and citizens in both countries are looking forward to improving cross-border infrastructure and expanding the transport network, which will not only increase social mobility and promote trade between Poland and Germany, but also strengthen our military capabilities. We support reinforcing the network of partnerships, especially in the areas where both countries are falling behind, from dual-use technologies to digitalisation to artificial intelligence.

The European Union remains at the heart of our cooperation. An ever-stronger and stable Union is in our strategic interest. In this spirit, we wish to jointly contribute to shaping the future
of the European Union. We are convinced that as tensions grow, the European Union
is becoming a primary vehicle for the protection and pursuit of our interests on a global scale.

Like the Treaty, the Weimar Triangle also sees its 35th anniversary in 2026. This format is second to none in embodying Europe’s regained unity and solidarity. We both believe that the Weimar Triangle is still capable of spurring joint initiatives in foreign and European politics and fostering greater cohesion within the European Union. In this context, we are pleased to note increased sectoral cooperation.

The perspective on Polish–German relations has changed substantially. The challenges we face today are different than back in 1991. Poland and Germany are capable of more: our liberty, security, and prosperity are at stake. As neighbours, partners, and allies, we hold the future
in our hands. This is a test we must pass by building our future relations responsibly, fairly,
in the spirit of partnership, and in the interest of the whole of Europe.