Minister of Economy and Energy Katherina Reiche and head of the agriculture department Alois Rainer discussed the improvement of economical cooperation in Warsaw. Germany remains Poland's key trading partner.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government was sworn in on May 6. A day after the start of work, the head of the German government visited Paris and Warsaw. He was accompanied by abroad Minister Johann Wadephul. Minister of Economy and Energy Katherina Reiche and Minister of Agriculture Alois Rainer are further representatives of the fresh German government visiting Poland.
Not just the economy
“German-Polish relations are much bigger than just trade”, Reiche said after gathering with Polish Minister of Economy Marzena Czarncka on Monday in Warsaw. She recalled that next year is the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Polish-German Treaty on good neighbourhood and friendly cooperation.
– Our countries are powerfully intertwined: in politics, culture, the economy; many social circles are in constant contact. This besides applies to youth who participate in the exchange," Reiche said.
The Minister stressed that trade is beneficial for both parties. In her view, bilateral cooperation should be extended to France to strengthen Europe within the Weimar Triangle.
High expectations for Germany
In the opinion of the Minister, the readiness of the Polish side to cooperate with Germany is very high. There are besides advanced expectations of Germany's strong economical position.
Reiche assured that German border services in cooperation with Polish colleagues are trying to minimize the negative effects of border controls on Polish citizens.
– We monitor the situation closely. Our concern is that the movement across the border for people who work and survey should run smoothly. On the another hand, limiting illegal immigration is in the interest of Poland and of Europe as a full – she explained, reserving that the situation at the border was not a subject of discussion.
Germany independent of Russian gas
Referring to media information about the interest of US investors in buying and launching the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, Reiche pointed out that the German government repeatedly assured that "return to Russian gas is out of the question". Germany has become independent of supplies from Russia, mainly thanks to LNG liquefied gas terminals. The Minister noted that she did not comment on any speculation about the possible sale of the gas pipeline.
The German weekly portal "Der Spiegel" stated on Sunday that the German government is investigating the anticipation of tightening abroad trade rules to prevent possible sales based in Switzerland of the Nord Stream 2 management company.
The subject of talks with Polish partners was besides the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. Reiche besides spoke with the Minister of State Assets Jakub Jaworowski and Minister of improvement and Technology Krzysztof Paszyk.
Non-approval of Mercosur
Minister of Agriculture Czesław Siekierski after gathering with his German counterpart Alois Rainer, thanked the German side for supporting Poland's introduction to the European Union. Both ministers voted to reduce red tape in EU agricultural policy.
Responding to the question of German farmers suggesting a simplification in the statutory minimum wage for seasonal workers in agriculture, Rainer recalled that the minimum wage was set by an independent committee. The minimum wage will emergence from EUR 12.82 to EUR 13.80 next year and EUR 14.60 per hr the following year.
The president of the Joachim Ruquied Farmers' Union late said in a press interview that seasonal workers should receive only 80% of the statutory minimum wage, as their permanent residence is outside Germany.
Mr Siekierski and Mr Rainer acknowledged that both countries had a different position on the EU agreement with the countries of South America Mercosur. Poland and France are demanding changes to the draft agreement, Germany is ready to sign it in its current form.
Germany is Poland's most crucial economical partner. In 2024, trade between the 2 countries amounted to EUR 171,9 billion. For the German economy Poland is the 4th largest importer and exporter.
