Following a 2023 interview with Hungary’s Partizan, former German chancellor Angela Merkel’s remarks about Poland’s opposition to an EU‑Russia dialogue led to accusations of blaming Poland for the war; Berlin has clarified the statement.
German Media Clarify Merkel’s Statement
German newspapers explain that Merkel did not accuse Poland or other Baltic states of joint responsibility for the war. She merely noted that those countries had opposed the proposed EU‑Russia format in 2021.
Der Spiegel highlighted that Merkel typically shows restraint in global commentaries, but said “this time she behaved differently,” which drew immediate reactions from Polish officials.
Polish Reaction to the Interview
Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki criticised Merkel on X, labeling her “one of the most damaging German politicians to Europe in the last century.”
Polish media reported that no accusation of guilt was made toward Poland in the interview, contrary to allegations raised by foreign politicians.
Foreign Minister Sikorski’s Response
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said the same truth applies to the lack of protest from East European states against NordStream, echoing an earlier 2007 statement about “unilateral agreements.”
Sikorski added that Merkel apparently forgot how her government reacted to Polish protests against NordStream.
What Merkel Said in the Interview
In Partizan’s interview, Merkel discussed the EU’s 2021 proposal for dialogue with Russia. She said that in 2021 she believed Ukraine’s Minsk agreement was no longer taken seriously and that, together with President Macron, she pushed for a new format of talks between the EU and Moscow.
She noted that several countries, mainly Baltic states and Poland, did not support the format.
German Media Coverage and Allegations
German tabloid Bild re‑phrased the interview as an accusation that Poland and Baltic states severed diplomatic relations between Russia and the EU, indirectly blaming them for the subsequent war in Ukraine. Bild referred to the interview as “explosive.”
