The European Union faces a range of challenges that will define the future of its member states. In the face of Russian aggression, ensuring security and taking a pragmatic approach to strengthening cooperation between countries have become particularly important. The dangers that the Union faces today and how to respond to them effectively were discussed during the plenary debate of the Polish-German Forum in Berlin.
The closing plenary debate of the Polish-German Forum was attended by four specialists in political studies: Sylvie Kauffmann, a journalist from the French daily “Le Monde”, Ljudmila Melnyk, Programme Director for Ukraine at the Berlin-based Institute for European Politics, Daniela Schwarzer from the Bertelsmann Foundation, and Monika Sus, a political scientist working at the Institute of Political Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences and at the Hertie School in Berlin. The discussion was moderated by Christoph von Marschall, a German journalist representing “Der Tagesspiegel”, and Jacek Stawiski from TVN24.
During the debate, the panellists discussed four key topics concerning not only Polish-German relations, but also issues affecting the broader European and global perspective. Topics addressed included the developing cooperation between Poland and Germany and the broadly understood cultural heritage, but the most prominent place in the debate was occupied by discussions on the European security perspective and community, and the threats posed by China and Russia. The debate was an attempt to summarise the conclusions drawn from the discussion panels held as part of the Forum, focusing on economic, geopolitical and social topics and presenting no less important cultural perspectives.
The recurring topic of the Russian invasion of Ukraine dominated the discussions, resonating in almost every part of the debate. At the same time, it served as a starting point for reflections on the relationship between the European Union and the USA, as well as the values that Europe, as a community, should defend against Russian propaganda, and the assurance of security on our continent. The panellists agreed on the central role of security in the ongoing debates about the future of the European Union. They also noted the emerging challenges behind strengthening the defence of the continent. Daniela Schwarzer pointed to a specific obstacle in the pursuit of this goal, namely the need to confront the progressive disintegration of the European security architecture. Hitherto effective, it has proven insufficient in the context of a conflict with Russia, as confirmed by repeated cyberattacks, spreading disinformation, and attacks on critical infrastructure. In the face of a transnational threat, the solution seems to be strengthening societal and democratic resilience, as well as incorporating into defence thinking the eastern states seeking accession to the European Union. Above all, however, as Ljudmila Melnyk pointed out, Ukraine must also be included in the defence concept, and thought must be given to how and to what extent Ukraine contributes to the development of security in Europe. Voices of doubt also emerged among the panellists. Can Europe afford to cover the costs of building a new defence architecture, and is it not already too late?
In contrast to questions about the financial and organisational capacities of the European Union, the thesis about the key role of cooperation between Poland and Germany and its significance in the context of Russian aggression raised no doubts. Despite the difficulties accompanying the partnership of two neighbouring states and the concerns about its future that emerged after the election of the new President of Poland, Polish-German relations are viewed with optimism. Close relations are being maintained thanks to well-developed economic ties and strong engagement in expanding local cooperation. In the face of the war in Ukraine, however, according to Daniela Schwarzer, it is important to define joint Polish-German actions, to set shared goals and a direction that both countries will follow in the long term. Equally important is that Poland continues its role as a translator, a bridge between Ukraine and Western Europe, and that the Polish-German relationship positively influences the situation in Ukraine.
During the debate, in addition to Russia, two other world powers were also mentioned – China and the USA. The discussion proceeded in an atmosphere full of anxiety and doubt regarding the future of the European Union in light of the actions of both powers. The question of what awaits the Union – for instance, in the event of a US withdrawal from NATO – resonated strongly. The inevitable consequences of such a move would be felt in every member state. A US withdrawal would entail, among other things, the undermining of security and the deterioration of internal markets, for which, in the panellists’ view, Europe is not prepared. The role of the United States would have to be assumed by the state with the greatest resources and capabilities. The discussion about China, although clearly marked in the structure of the conversation, took place somewhat on the margins of reflections on Russian actions. The panellists noted the real threat posed by Europe’s excessive economic dependence on China.
The debate highlighted numerous problems currently facing the European Union, and the participants succeeded in outlining a broad perspective of realistic solutions and possible ways out of the emerging crises. The key to effective action remains strong, transnational cooperation, which was powerfully demonstrated during the Polish-German Forum in Berlin.
The debate took place on 5 June 2025 as part of the Polish-German Forum “Community for Difficult Times”, organised by the Foundation for Polish-German Cooperation on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland and the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Weronika Kamieńska