In return for defense funding from the German state budget, Poland would take responsibility for NATO’s eastern flank, Karol Nawrocki said during a meeting with constituents on Friday, describing the proposal as “fair.” Germany has repeatedly insisted that the question of direct reparations is closed, pointing to a 1953 agreement signed by the Polish communist authorities. However, the German government has signaled its openness to making amends in other, more limited ways. While Nawrocki said his defense funding idea had been “met with understanding” last year by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and claimed Berlin is aware it must pay reparations, there is no suggestion that Germany is on board with his proposal. “If they are really committed to the development of the Polish armed forces, and the whole EU is, then we can begin this process with German investment, with funds from the German state budget for equipment for the Polish army and for NATO’s eastern flank,” Nawrocki said. “That is fair.” The nationalist president’s statements came just hours after he vetoed a bill unlocking billions in low-cost EU loans under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, prompting accusations that he is putting Poland’s security at risk.