„Nowe otwarcie”? Stosunki polsko-niemieckie w okresie rządów koalicji PO-PSL (2007-2009)
A „New Opening”? Polish-German Relations during the Rule of the PO-PSL Coalition (2007-2009)

Summary/Abstract: The author forwards the thesis that after two years of administration of the PiS-LPR-Samoobrona coalition in Poland (2005-2007), characterized by an escalation of tension in relations with Germany, the PO-PSL coalition government of Donald Tusk opts for restoration of trust in contacts with Berlin. Prof. Władysław Bartoszewski, who enjoys considerable authority in the FRG, has been appointed the Prime Minister’s plenipotentiary for international relations. He managed to work out a compromise on the issue of establishing a „visible sign” in Berlin and withdrawal of Erika Steinbach from the implementation of this project. The European Union is now the main ground of Polish-German relations and their „Europeization” exerts growing influence on bilateral relations, as evidenced by Germany’s support of Jerzy Buzek’s election for President of the European Parliament. The author claims that Poland should approach cooperation with Germany, especially within the European Union, rationally, not being guided by short-term benefits or resentments but with assertiveness and consistently respecting its own interests as well as those of its partner. The present government conceives of the idea of Polish-German partnership in precisely those terms.

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