Debate in Leipzig: What does Russia policy mean for Europe?

Debate in Leipzig: What does Russia policy mean for Europe?

On December 3, 2025, an important discussion by the German-Polish expert group on Russia policy took place in Leipzig. This event was a joint initiative of the Polish Institute Berlin – Leipzig Branch and brought together various experts to talk about the complex relations with Russia. The focus of the discussion was different historical experiences and perceptions of Russia, which influence the perspective of European countries.

Germany has traditionally focused on dialogue and economic integration. In contrast, Poland and other East Central European countries share deep experiences of imperial hegemony, occupation and coercive rule, which shape their attitudes towards Russia. These divergent historical memories lead to different political cultures and assessments of the Russian threat in Europe.

Inconsistent assessments in Europe

While hopes for cooperation and democratization through trade relations prevail in parts of Western Europe, Poland and neighboring countries believe that only deterrence and unity can guarantee a secure future. The experts discussed ways in which Europe, especially Germany and Poland, should respond to the various challenges. Lessons were drawn from the experiences of the countries that directly border Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.

The redefined role of Russia under Vladimir Putin was a central theme. The connection between domestic repression and aggressive foreign policy was discussed in detail. Strategies for long-term support for Ukraine and securing peace in Europe were also key points of discussion. The event was opened by Bernd Karwen, head of the Polish Institute, while Cornelius Ochmann from the Foundation for German-Polish Cooperation moderated the event.

Common European policy and strategy

The discussion also raised the question of what a common European policy that combines security, justice and freedom could look like. Experts such as Witold Rodkiewicz from the Center for Eastern Studies in Warsaw and Julia Herzberg from the Leibniz Institute for the History and Culture of Eastern Europe contributed relevant perspectives. In December 2024, the Center for Liberal Modernity and the Center for Eastern Studies set up a German-Polish expert group to develop new impulses for Russia and security policy and to publish a strategic paper entitled “The Challenge of Russia”.

These initiatives should be seen against the backdrop of escalating tensions between the EU and Russia. Relations have deteriorated significantly since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, seen as an attack on Ukraine's territorial integrity and a threat to security and stability in Europe. Russia's aggressive foreign policy is seen as an attack on fundamental EU values ​​such as freedom and democracy, resulting in a tightened EU security compass that classifies Russia as a long-term threat and emphasizes the need for a strongly integrated European response

Taken together, the discussions highlight the need for a unified European approach to meet the challenges posed by Russia. Historical experiences, current threats and the pursuit of a stable future in Europe are at the heart of this important initiative that began in Leipzig.