Germany’s influential newspaper, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), has weighed in on the contentious issue of war reparations, demanded by several European nations, including Poland and Greece. The newspaper argues that Germany itself was also a victim of the war, adding complexity to the ongoing debate.
Responsibility vs. Reparations
The recent demand from Athens reignited the conversation. During German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s state visit, Greek officials reminded him of their reparations expectations, estimated at €400 billion by the Greek Parliament in 2019. Although Steinmeier reiterated Germany’s commitment to historical and moral responsibility, he maintained that, from an international law perspective, the reparations issue is closed.
Revisiting History
FAZ commentator Reinhard Mueller emphasized Germany’s position, noting that reparations were addressed long ago. He argued that holding Germany financially accountable decades later overlooks the historical suffering Germans endured, including displacement, civilian bombings, and loss of territory.
Mueller concluded by calling for European integration based on fresh beginnings, not unending claims. The debate continues to spark discussion on how countries balance historic responsibility with a unified future.