Neighbourly Relations and Partnership
Germany and Poland 1991–2011
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
Relations between Germany and Poland have changed fundamentally. The spirit of reconciliation initially led to a paternalistic relationship: Germany cleared Poland’s way into NATO and the EU. This “junior partnership” soon came to an end. Significant differences in interests became clear in the debates over the Iraq conflict, the EU constitution, the Baltic Sea pipeline, and the expellee centre. The result was irritation and estrangement. Now this has passed. The partnership has obtained a quality in which differences are no longer denied, but conflicts can be discussed constructively. Moreover, Germany and Poland are key countries for the political integration of Europe as a whole.
(Osteuropa 5-6/2011, pp. 23–40)