Wyzwania partnerstwa i współpracy polsko- -niemieckiej w Unii Europejskiej

In the paper the author raises the issue of challenges resulting from euro zone crisis for shaping new role and partnership of Germany and Poland in the EU. The paper consists of three parts, in which one by one the following problems has been presented: Germany’s role in the stabilization of the euro zone (1); implications of the crisis for Poland seeking new role within the EU (2); and challenges for developing of a permanent Polish-German partnership in the EU (3). The principal thesis of the article is as follows: during 2010-2013 Germany, due to its significant economic and financial potential as well as successively implemented domestic reforms, assumed the key role in actions aimed at stabilizing the euro zone. Because of questionable effectiveness of former German strategy for saving the euro area its gradual modification towards substitution of cuts and sanctions policy with activities for economic growth and reduction of unemployment in the EU cannot be excluded. The progressing euro zone crisis with accompanying divisions within the EU led to Poland seeking to enter the first integration circle by development of Polish-German partnership among other things. The successive accomplishment of the above-mentioned goal is a giant challenge for Poland, demanding on its part to unambiguously determine of its interests and aims within activities for accession to the euro area. It also entails providing the public opinion with deepened and thorough analysis of real benefits and threats resulting from Poland’s accession to the euro zone.