(4 August 2025)
There is no alternative to Polish-German cooperation!
Appeal of the Copernicus Group following the parliamentary elections in Germany and the presidential elections in Poland
A Prussian-German policy toward Poland, lasting over two hundred years and marked by hostility, contributed to persistent tension and animosity in Polish-German relations. This hostility reached its tragic peak during World War II, when German aggression brought unimaginable suffering to the Polish nation. The war also claimed the lives of many German citizens and became a moral catastrophe for the entire German nation.
Both the cause and the consequence of the Polish-German reconciliation process after World War II was the deep conviction that the logic of hostility inevitably leads to a situation in which both sides lose. One of the greatest achievements of both nations has been the understanding that lasting security and prosperity are possible only when we do not act against each other, but work together—in mutual respect and partnership.
Today, it must be stated clearly: there is no viable alternative to close Polish-German cooperation. In the face of the enormous challenges of the future, only joint, solidarity-based action will provide a real guarantee of security and peace for both countries. NATO and the European Union remain the optimal environment for such cooperation.
For this reason, current political trends in both Poland and Germany must raise serious concern. Although differing in content, form, and national context, political forces are gaining influence in both countries that—each in its own way—promote national egoism, question the legitimacy of close Polish-German cooperation, and thereby weaken the foundations of the European Union. This creates a real risk of undermining the achievements of recent decades in mutual relations and a return to the logic of hostility—a logic that has in the past led to suffering and catastrophe.
Political forces that understand the importance and value of good Polish-German relations bear a special responsibility today. Their urgent task is to effectively counter these dangerous tendencies. These efforts can and should take the following forms and actions:
Read more: Appeal of the Polish-German Copernicus Group
At the beginning of June, it was time once again: during the Pentecost weekend, nearly 50 men, women, and children gathered in Krzyżowa for an extended weekend – lasting until Monday.
This has become something of a tradition – these gatherings have been taking place for over 10 years – and each year, both long-time “experts” of Krzyżowa and new faces return to the most renowned village in Lower Silesia. Originally envisioned by educators and meeting organizers as a “weekend without a program,” the combination of structured activities and free time has now become the standard – bringing smiles year after year.
Read more: “Friends of Krzyżowa” Gathering 2025
We are delighted to share that on June 23, 2025, Helmuth Caspar Graf von Moltke was awarded the Cross of Merit on the Ribbon of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany!
The award ceremony, led by the German Consul General Martin Kremer, took place this morning at the headquarters of our Foundation.
This special honor is a recognition of Helmuth Caspar von Moltke’s long-standing dedication to Polish-German dialogue and to preserving the legacy of the Kreisau Circle – a German resistance group against Nazism, founded by his parents, Freya and Helmuth James von Moltke.
As a witness to history, a builder of bridges, and a guardian of memory, Helmuth Caspar von Moltke has spent decades sharing the story, values, and ideals of the Kreisau Circle – especially with younger generations.
We thank everyone who joined us today! It was a day full of emotion, reflection, and hope for the future generations who will continue building bridges of understanding.
Read more: Helmuth Caspar Graf von Moltke Awarded the Cross of Merit on the Ribbon of the Order of Merit of...
The “Krzyzowa” Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe and the Club of Catholic Intelligentsia, invite young people from Poland, Ukraine, and Germany, aged 15-17, who want to experience an unforgettable week full of inspiring meetings, creative workshops and intercultural experiences to Krzyzowa near Wroclaw from July 27 to August 03, 2025 for a Polish-German-Ukrainian exchange “Art of Relationships”.
The “Art of Relationships” exchange is part of the “LIKHTAR / Ліхтар” networking project.
During the three-cultural exchange, young people will travel deep into the world of history, art and communication, in a place with a unique past. The former estate of the von Moltke family, Nazi oppositionists, today the headquarters of the “Krzyzowa” Foundation for European Understanding, will become a space for building bridges between cultures. During the week we will immerse ourselves in the world of multilingualism, discover the history of the place through creative workshops, and learn what nonviolent communication is in a drama workshop.
Read more: PARTICIPATE! In the Polish-German-Ukrainian youth exchange in Krzyzowa! 27.07-03.08.2025
