Treaty on Good Neighborly Relations and Friendly Cooperation of June 17, 1991

The Treaty on Good Neighborly Relations and Friendly Cooperation marked a watershed change in Polish-German relations in historical terms. It became the first instrument of international law to regulate mutual relations so comprehensively in hopes of setting a new course for the foreseeable future. Poland’s strategic pivot towards the West and, in particular, the new neighborhood of both countries, defined the Polish-German agreement, whose provisions laid the groundwork for its implementation in the new European setting. The instrument set the scene for cooperation in all major areas ranging from security to economy, Germany’s support for Poland’s accession to the European Communities, cross-border and regional relations, agriculture, social security, science and technology, environmental protection, transport, national minorities, to culture and youth.