institute of europe
the institute of europe of the russian academy of sciences
International conference «German-Polish relations as the key factor of European security»
- 20 June 2016
On June 20, 2016, IE RAS held international conference «German-Polish relations as the key factor of European security», organized by IE RAS Department of Country Studies, Embassies of Germany and Poland in Moscow.
The event was dedicated to the 25th anniversary of German-Polish Treaty of good neighborhood and friendly cooperation, signed on June 17, 1991, and viewed by German Foreign Minister F.-W. Steinmeier as the turning point in the complex history of both states. Prior recognition of Polish borders by Germany was and still is the key element of European security, enhanced by the creation in 1991 of the «Weimar Triangle», initiated by foreign ministers of Germany, France and Poland.
Welcome addresses were delivered by IE RAS Director Dr Al.A. Gromyko, Ambassador of Germany to Russia Rüdiger von Fritsch and Ambassador of Poland to Russia Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz. They covered the Treaty contents and its importance for modern European security system. The event was moderated by deputy IE RAS Director V. Belov. Participants underlined the special role of the Treaty in making peace between the two peoples after WWII, discussed the prospects of the «Weimar Triangle» in European politics, including the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, as well as the role and place of Russia in German-Polish relations. Impact of the migration crisis in Europe and parliamentary elections in Poland on relations within the EU and NATO were discussed as well.
The event, along with the Ambassadors and IE RAS associates, was attended by scientists from IMEMO RAS, INION RAS, Institute of Economy RAS, MGIMO University, Diplomatic Academy, Lomonosov MSU, Lobachevskiy NNSU, RSUH, RUDN University, Higher School of Economics, representatives of Russian Foreign Ministry, German party and political foundations, Center of Strategic Assessment and Prognosis, Institute of Acute International Problems, Institute of Political and Military Analysis, "Russia – Germany" Society, as well as numerous guests from diplomatic agencies accredited in Russia (Germany, Poland, EU, Czech Republic, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Latvia, Finland).
IE RAS premises hosted the exhibition, prepared by the Polish Embassy and devoted to the history of German-Polish relations after WWII. Proceeds of the conference will be published in "Contemporary Europe" journal.
