German government is weighing a one‑time €10,000 payment to each living WWII victim, while Polish officials demand annual disbursements, sparking diplomatic tension.
Berlin Aims for Lump‑Sum Compensation
According to Onet, Germany proposed a single €10,000 payment for each living WWII victim. The Polish government had previously rejected the proposal, insisting on permanent annual support up to the recipient’s death.
Jakub Deka, chairman of the Polish‑German Reconciliation Foundation, noted a revised offer of about 10,000 PLN per year, disbursed quarterly, bi‑annually or monthly. Germany has yet to reach a definitive decision.
Poland Demands Annual Payments
Polish officials expect the compensation to be paid yearly until the beneficiary’s death, a condition that Berlin has not yet addressed, according to portal sources.
Chancellor Reaffirms Historical Responsibility
At a Polish‑German conference, Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the reparations issue is “politically and legally clarified,” referencing Germany’s earlier commitment of €2 billion for survivors of Nazi terror.
Prime Minister Urges Germany to Act Swiftly
Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized Germany’s reliance on a 1950s diplomatic framework, noting that at that time Poland had limited influence. He estimated around 50,000 living direct victims today and urged Germany to expedite the gesture.
Tusk also proposed that Poland might eventually meet the need using its own resources next year, a suggestion that sparked consternation among opposition politicians.
Return of Polish Archives
Berlin returned 73 Polish documents, including a 1215 manuscript, during the conference. Chancellor Merz confirmed these are not the final returns, indicating further restitutions may follow.