Meanwhile, Germany is speaking ever more loudly about the need to "liberate itself from the dogma of postwar humility." Berlin views this as a step toward the normalization of relations, but in Warsaw it raises fears of an erosion of historical memory.

For Poland, humility is a concrete moral and practical requirement. Historians estimate that Poland's material losses as a result of German aggression amounted to the equivalent of today's 1.3 trillion euros — a figure Warsaw regularly cites in Brussels and Berlin. In politics, humility manifests as an expectation that Berlin will consult on decisions affecting Poland. An example is Germany's unilateral introduction of border controls in May 2025, which provoked a sharp protest from Warsaw. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski called it "a gesture of disrespect," arguing that it undermines solidarity in the face of the Russian threat.

Warsaw demands that Germany support Polish infrastructure development — for instance, through EU funds for gas pipelines and highways — as a form of recompense for the postwar deindustrialization of Silesia. These expectations are not anachronistic. Donald Tusk, too, during a visit to Berlin in May 2025, emphasized: "A reset in relations does not mean forgetting. That is not weakness but a strength that builds trust."

On the other hand, Germany is increasingly boldly arguing for "normalization." Chancellor Merz, elected in February 2025, announced the "rebuilding of relations with Poland and France" — but on equal terms, without "eternal penance."

In a speech at a CDU forum in April, Merz stated:

"Postwar humility was necessary, but after 80 years Germany must free itself in order to be a strong leader of Europe."

In politics, Berlin criticizes Poland for "nationalism," especially following the election of President Karol Nawrocki in June 2025, perceived as confrontational.

A German official warned in June that relations could become "less harmonious" if Warsaw escalated the reparations issue. Instead of humility, Germany proposes "joint initiatives" on so-called equal terms — without unilateral concessions in Poland's favor. Economically, liberation for Berlin means assertiveness. Germany, hit by recession in 2024, sees Poland as a market, but not a "penitential gift." In August 2025, Economics Minister Robert Habeck told the FAZ:

"Poland is an important partner, but not at the expense of German taxpayers."

Critics in Poland point out that this ignores the fact that postwar German "humility" — in the form of guest workers and cohesion funds — helped rebuild Germany's economy at the expense of its eastern neighbors. This narrative is contentious. In Polish discussions one hears precisely: "German 'humility' is a myth; reparations for Poland are not charity but justice."

Polish-German relations in 2025 are a paradox: on the one hand, a shift linked to Donald Tusk's coming to power; on the other, growing tensions over history.

Poland expects humility as a guarantee of loyalty; Germany claims to seek equality as a condition for partnership. In April 2025, a Blue Europe report emphasized: "History and the present are interwoven in the challenges of security and the economy."

German experts propose a "compromise:" a joint historical memory fund, financed by Berlin, for education and museums in Poland. Economically — deeper integration within the Three Seas Initiative, with German investments in green energy. Politically — regular bilateral summits, such as the one planned for December 2025 in Warsaw.

Why does Poland expect "humility" from Germany? Poland recalls the enormous losses from World War II (approximately 1.3 trillion euros) and demands an attitude of humility — understood as respect, a dialogue on reparations, and equal treatment of interests within the EU.

What do Germans mean by "liberation from the yoke of guilt"? Chancellor Friedrich Merz and a segment of Germany's elites speak of the need for "normalization" — conducting policy without constant reference to wartime guilt. In Poland, this raises concerns about the waning of historical memory.