The Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki was happy to note that German-Polish relations are specifically mentioned in the coalition agreement. "Actions will follow the words," underlined Angela Merkel. Even if talks with Germany’s Polish neighbour are not always easy, "we want to maintain good relations," she promised. One reason of course is because European concerns can thus be better advanced. "I will do everything I can to ensure that we have a common agenda in Europe," declared Angela Merkel.

The close economic relations between the two countries are already developing extremely positively. Last year trade was worth a record 110 billion euros – but there is still scope for further expansion.

Weimar Triangle can provide impetus for Europe

Angela Merkel and Mateusz Morawiecki announced that cooperation would be revived within what is known as the Weimar Triangle. The discussion format, which brings together Poland, France and Germany, has dealt with European policy since its inception in 1991.

Angela Merkel and Mateusz Morawiecki agreed that the EU needs a common asylum system. The Chancellor declared herself optimistic that a solution can be found. Poland, said Mateusz Morawiecki, considers that the entire asylum system "is in need of an overhaul". The country has so far refused to accept the resettlement of migrants called for by the EU. But the Polish leader offered his assurance that he would cooperate closely with European partners.

Poland is also making a contribution, said Angela Merkel. Migrants arriving in Poland come from "other regions". Since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict in 2014, for instance, Poland has taken in numerous Ukrainian refugees who have found work in Poland.

Nerve agent attack condemned

Angela Merkel and Mateusz Morawiecki condemned the nerve agent attack on the former double agent Sergei Skripal in the United Kingdom. The next European Council meeting must provide a clear response, they said.

Former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia have been fighting for their life in a British hospital for more than two weeks. According to the British side they were victims of the nerve agent Novichok, which was developed in the Soviet Union. London believes that Moscow was involved in the attack. Russia rejects the accusation.

Kreisau is today called Krzyżowa

Angela Merkel pointed to the International Youth Meeting Centre in Kreisau/Krzyżowa, a centre of reconciliation between Poland and Germany. Today young people from both countries meet on what used to be the estate of the von Moltke family, a good 50 kilometres from Wrocław. They look at German-Polish history and at relations today.

On the estate the Kreisau Circle, which comprised pro-democratic politicians and individuals, planned their resistance to the National Socialists and their rule of terror. Following the attempted assassination of Hitler on 20 July 1944 the members of the Circle were persecuted, and many of them were executed.

On 12 November 1989 Chancellor Helmut Kohl and Polish Prime Minister Tadeusz Mazowiecki met at the Kreisau estate. Shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall they together celebrated a reconciliation mass in the courtyard of the historic manor house, which was at that time still a collective farm. When the two leaders embraced after the mass it was a symbol of reconciliation. This gesture of peace is seen as a new beginning in Polish-German relations.