CDU backs idea for "German-Polish House"
The Berlin CDU parliamentary group supports the idea of a "German-Polish House" in the capital. The MPs agreed on this at a closed meeting in the Polish capital Warsaw at the weekend, as a spokesperson for the parliamentary group announced on Sunday. "The concept of a German-Polish House in Berlin is a forward-looking step towards a lasting and sustainable culture of remembrance," it said in a position paper.
Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth (Greens) presented a corresponding concept together with the Foundation Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe at the end of August. The institution is intended to commemorate the complicated German-Polish history and the brutal German occupation during the Second World War.
Expanding exchanges between teachers and pupils
The house could "serve as a center for cultural, academic and civic exchange, offering events, seminars and meetings related to German-Polish history and relations", according to the parliamentary group. It also wants to expand teacher exchanges between Poland and Berlin as well as student exchanges.
The CDU parliamentary group traveled to Warsaw on Friday for a closed meeting. There, the MPs, including Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner, discussed topics such as urban development, town twinning, the culture of remembrance and Berlin's Olympic bid. On Sunday, before leaving, there was a visit to the memorial to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943 and a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial to the Warsaw Uprising of 1944.
Olympic champion Harting takes part in the discussions
If the CDU parliamentary group has its way, there should be an Olympic Games in Berlin in 2036. A position paper stated that Berlin as the venue for the 2036 Olympic Games would be a continuation of the legendary "summer fairytale" of 2006, when Germany hosted the World Cup. "The 2036 Olympic Games in Berlin offer the opportunity to welcome the world in an atmosphere of hospitality and togetherness," said the parliamentary group.
Olympic champion and multiple world and European champion in discus throwing, Robert Harting, also took part in the discussion on the parliamentary group paper. He accompanied the CDU parliamentary group in Warsaw and is regarded as an ambassador for Berlin's Olympic plans. Together they visited the Warsaw National Stadium.
The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) plans to discuss a national bid on December 2. In the event of a positive vote, a concept for a bid would be developed by the end of 2024. Only then will the DOSB decide on a candidacy and the question of which Games to aim for.
The "German-Polish House" in Berlin, as proposed by the CDU parliamentary group, could serve as a venue for events and seminars related to German-Polish history and relations, similar to how Olympia in Greece has hosted historical events like the Olympic Games. This new house could potentially facilitate teacher exchanges between Poland and Berlin, furthering educational connections between the two nations.
Source: www.dpa.com
