United by a Difficult Past

During his visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Prime Minister Donald Tusk participated in the official Liberation Day celebrations. This is one of the most important national holidays in the Netherlands, commemorating the country’s liberation from German occupation in 1945 and the end of World War II.

“We pay tribute to the memory of millions of prisoners murdered in Nazi death camps, as well as those tortured and killed in Soviet labor camps. On days like this, we remember Auschwitz, the gulags, the Holocaust of European Jews, and the murder of thousands of Polish officers on Stalin’s orders – in places like Katyn,” said Prime Minister Donald Tusk during the celebrations in Wageningen.

Polish soldiers played a significant role in the battles that brought freedom to the Netherlands. Their legacy is honored through monuments, streets named after them, annual ceremonies, and school programs.

“Many Polish soldiers died fighting for the liberation of the Netherlands, but their memory lives on. Every year, Dutch government officials and local representatives commemorate them. (...) I am deeply grateful for that,” the Polish Prime Minister said, addressing the Dutch people.

The honored Polish soldiers belonged to the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade led by General Stanisław Sosabowski, which fought in the Battle of Arnhem in 1944, and the Armored Division of General Stanisław Maczek, which liberated Breda at the end of October that same year.

During his visit, Prime Minister Donald Tusk also met with the royal couple – King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima.

We Need a United Europe – Just Like 80 Years Ago

For decades, World War II served as a powerful reminder to world leaders that armed conflict brings death and unimaginable suffering. Today, in the face of Russian aggression against Ukraine, the world must once again confront the horrors of war – symbolized by the mass graves in Bucha, Irpin, Mariupol, and Sumy.

“Let us not turn our backs when evil reappears. The experience of 80 years ago teaches us that only through unity can we overcome it. Just like then – today too – our strength lies in unity and cooperation,” the Prime Minister emphasized.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof also highlighted Poland’s key role in building European strength in this area:

“This Russian threat extends beyond Ukraine, increasingly taking on hybrid forms. This requires cooperation and strengthening of our defense. The Netherlands values Poland’s leading role in this. Poland is the eastern flank of the EU and NATO, but politically and militarily, it lies at the center of Europe. The Polish presidency has also made defense a central focus,” said Prime Minister Schoof.

Before their bilateral talks, Prime Ministers Tusk and Schoof lit the Liberation Flame together and observed a military parade, which included Polish troops.

“Flags waved symbolizing the Western alliance – Canadian, American, British, of course Dutch, Polish, and French. That’s also a very important symbol for both of us. We discussed this when talking about security and military cooperation – how important it is to maintain the maximum, unified mobilization of the entire West in the face of threats that (...) have, unfortunately, once again become very real,” said the Polish Prime Minister.

Today’s geopolitical situation requires decisive European actions rooted in cooperation. Strengthening transatlantic ties is equally important. Only through joint effort can we resist the threat posed by Putin’s Russia.

“The word ‘solidarity’ is the most important in my personal political dictionary. We need true solidarity among nations and states to face all challenges. (...) We built the European community precisely to oppose war, evil, and violence,” emphasized the Prime Minister.

Ensuring Europe's security is our obligation – both to the soldiers who fought 80 years ago and to future generations. That is why the European community cannot stop at building economic power – we must also strengthen our military capabilities.

Security First!

During his visit, Prime Minister Tusk invited Prime Minister Schoof to visit Poland in July, when the renewed security and military cooperation agreement will be signed.

“Our cooperation naturally goes far beyond security. But you surely understand why we devote so much time to our shared security. Poland and the Netherlands are countries that, both symbolically and practically, are incredibly loyal to each other. We share nearly identical views on key geopolitical issues,” said Prime Minister Tusk.

A tangible example of successful defense collaboration is Poland’s participation in a Hague-initiated consortium to purchase 155 mm ammunition.

Economic issues also remain a vital part of Polish-Dutch relations. The Netherlands is one of the top foreign investors in Poland, and Polish entrepreneurs are increasingly active in the Dutch market.