Only one-third of Poles express sympathy toward Germans, while one-quarter feel aversion—the highest in years—according to the latest Poland–Germany Barometer. Acceptance of Germans as neighbours, supervisors, in-laws, colleagues, or friends is described as “strikingly low.”
The long-running survey shows a sharp contrast with Germany, where 42% of respondents accept their Polish neighbours. Agnieszka Łada-Konefał of the German Institute of Polish Affairs said attitudes shift with political and social trends.
Historical disputes remain a major fault line. Fifty-eight percent of Poles say Germany should do more to atone for wartime crimes; only 25% of Germans agree. Support for reparations stands at 25% in Poland versus 2% in Germany.
Views of Germany’s European role have also deteriorated: only 35% of Poles see Berlin as supporting cooperation. Tensions rose further after President Karol Nawrocki renewed calls for reparations on the WWII anniversary.
