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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to meet with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw on Wednesday on a farewell visit.
The state of German-Poland relations, Ukraine and European security are expected to be some of the major topics of discussion on the visit.
The meeting comes as center-left Social Democrat Scholz prepares to transfer his duties to conservative Christian Democratic Union leader Friedrich Merz, following a snap German election in February.
Scholz, who became chancellor in 2021, has served as a caretaker in recent months, following the collapse of his governing coalition late last year.
The visit also comes as Poland is slated to have presidential elections on May 18. Incumbent Polish President Andrzej Duda is unable to run again for his office due to term limits.
Germany-Poland relations fraught during Scholz years
Relations between Germany and Poland have faced challenges during Scholz's time as chancellor.
The issue of German compensation for Polish victims of World War II is one major sticking point between Berlin and Warsaw.
In 2022, Poland's former right-wing populist Law and Justice (PiS) government formally demanded €1.3 trillion ($1.47 trillion) in World War II reparations from Scholz's government. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who served in Scholz's Cabinet, said the issue of WWII reparations for Poland was closed after Warsaw's request.
Last year, Scholz's government planned to provide €200 million to living Polish victims of World War II. Polish media reported that Tusk, a member of the center to center-right Civic Platform, viewed this offering as too low.
Germany's plans to impose border checks spark backlash
Another major issue of contention between the countries is migration.
In 2023, the Polish government reportedly provided work visas to migrants from Asia and Africa in return for thousands of dollars. The German government had summoned Poland's ambassador over the scandal.
Scholz's approach to Russia's invasion of Ukraine has also differed from that of Poland.
Scholz has refused to provide Ukraine with Taurus long-range missiles fearing an escalation in the conflict. Meanwhile, members of Tusk's government, such as Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, have voiced support for Taurus deliveries to Ukraine.
Friedrich Merz: A new era for German-Polish ties?
Friedrich Merz is expected to be elected as Germany's next chancellor on May 6.
After he assumes the role, Merz is expected to visit both Poland and France in his first foreign trip.
"People in Warsaw are looking forward to Merz. After Scholz, they believe things can only get better," Piotr Buras, the head of the European Council of Foreign Relations office in Warsaw told the German Süddeutsche Zeitung.
Merz might find a kindred spirit in Tusk, due to their shared conservative leanings.
Russia criticizes Merz over Taurus comments
Merz's positions are closer to those of Poland on some issues than Scholz. Merz has suggested he is open to providing Ukraine with Taurus missiles, in coordination with European allies.
Edited by: Zac Crellin
