Poland demands 10,000 zlotys annually for each Nazi victim. Will Berlin accept Tusk’s ultimatum?

June 29, 2026 – Warsaw has taken a concrete step in its long-standing confrontation with Berlin over World War II compensation. Donald Tusk’s government has handed over to the German side a detailed plan providing for annual payments to living victims of the Nazi regime. This was reported by Süddeutsche Zeitung.

For international observers and European partners, this case sets a significant precedent. Poland’s persistence is being closely watched in Brussels, London, and Washington, as it could influence how other nations approach historical justice claims.

The plan proposes 10,000 zlotys (approximately €2,333 or about $2,753) per year for every person who survived Nazi occupation. According to Polish estimates, there are currently about 50,000 such individuals, and their numbers are decreasing by roughly one thousand each month.

The total cost of the program, based on very conservative estimates, could reach around €300 million. In 2027, should Berlin agree, the German budget would need to allocate the first €100 million to cover the needs of all registered victims.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk demands that Germany approve the plan by the end of 2026. Otherwise, Warsaw threatens to begin financing the payments independently from its own budget.

Political background: why exactly 10,000 zlotys?

This demand is not just about money, but also about domestic politics. Tusk’s government is trying to avoid accusations from the opposition Law and Justice party (PiS), which had previously demanded astronomical €1.3 trillion in reparations from Germany.

That is why Warsaw is seeking a financial “humanitarian gesture” that would not be perceived by society as a humiliating handout. In 2024, Tusk had already rejected a proposal by then-Chancellor Olaf Scholz for a one-time compensation of €200 million, deeming it insufficient.

Historical context and Berlin’s position

The negotiations are taking place against the backdrop of an active dialogue on historical past and shared security. Recently, during a visit to Gdansk, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz drew a parallel between post-war German-Polish reconciliation and the future of Ukraine in Europe.

As previously reported, Merz publicly expressed gratitude to the Polish people that, despite the horrific crimes committed by Germans in Poland between 1939 and 1945, the two states managed to achieve peace, good neighborly relations, and friendship.

However, despite the warm words, the question of money remains open. Currently, Germany is not officially commenting on the plan. But judging by previous reactions, a compromise will be found. Only the final figure is unlikely to match what Warsaw wants to see.

What’s next?

Tusk’s ultimatum is a political maneuver aimed both at the domestic audience and at European partners. If Berlin refuses, Warsaw will begin payments from its own budget, which will hit the Polish treasury but strengthen the government’s image as a defender of national interests.

If Berlin agrees, it will create a precedent that other countries affected by Nazism may invoke. Greece, for example, has long been eyeing Germany with similar demands.

There is time until the end of the year. It will be interesting to watch.

* Note: All amounts in U.S. dollars and euros are provided for reference based on exchange rates as of June 29, 2026: 1 Polish zloty (PLN) ≈ $0.2753, 1 euro (EUR) ≈ $1.0647. Exchange rates are for informational purposes only and should not be used for making financial decisions. Current exchange rates can be checked on the currency converter.