Poland and Germany Reaffirm NATO Defense Goals, Push for More Russia Sanctions

"Poland and Germany have a specific role to play in the security of the eastern flank, and also in assistance to Ukraine," Sikorski said. He also called upon Europe to take more responsibility for its own security, particularly as American military assistance to Ukraine has started to wane.

Demanding Additional EU Sanctions, Defense Overhauls
Wadephul stressed that action must be taken against Russia, pledging that Berlin would work to implement a new round of EU sanctions "as fast as possible." He pointed to the interrelatedness of regional security, saying, "The security of Poland is the security of Germany." Both suggested that the top priority should be to modernize Europe's joint air defense network.

The duo also discussed German border checks introduced last year to control irregular migration, in addition to defense issues. Any disruption should be kept to a minimum and German representatives were welcome to see the border fortifications Poland has built with Belarus, Sikorski said.

Reconciliation between History and Culture
Addressing historical questions, Sikorski repeated Poland's demand that the victims of Nazi-era aggression should receive compensation, and argued that meaningful redress is necessary to build stronger bilateral ties. Wadephul replied, reasserting Germany's commitment to remembrance and supporting a memorial in Berlin to Polish victims.

The ministers also praised the reopening of the so-called Polish-German Forum, which had been dormant since 2018. At the event, recipients of the 2025 Polish-German Prize were announced: film-maker Elwira Niewiera and the Bredbeck Educational Centre for their dialogue-building and support to Ukraine.