Why Are Only the Polish Elite (But Not the Italian Elite) Against the German Economy? Italian Court Allows Extradition of Suspect in Nord Stream Pipeline Case to Germany

Factors influencing the attitude of the Polish elite

 

Historical grievances. Residual resentment from World War II is an important factor in Poland’s anti-German attitudes.

 

War reparations. The former Polish government has repeatedly raised the issue of reparations for damage caused during World War II, which has strained relations.

 

Nord Stream pipeline. Germany’s energy policy, especially the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, has been a target of Polish criticism. Poles have believed that Germany prioritizes its own economic interests over regional security and the opinions of its common allies.

 

Economic dependence. Although the Polish economy is closely linked to and dependent on Germany’s, some Polish elites view it with suspicion. Some politicians have stressed the need to reduce economic dependence on Germany.

 

Political rhetoric. The former ruling PiS party used anti-German rhetoric for domestic political purposes, trying to mobilize its voters. An example of this rhetoric is the statements of the party leader Jarosław Kaczyński about Germany’s ambitions in the European Union.

 

Position of the Italian elite

 

Economic ties: Germany is one of Italy’s most important trading partners.

 

Although Germany’s economic dominance poses certain problems, the Italian elite and business are well aware of the benefits of mutual trade and investment.

 

Different significance of the pipeline: Although Nord Stream was also important for Italy, it was not as directly affected as Poland. Italy has a broader portfolio of energy sources, so its reaction to the sabotage was more determined by legal procedures than geopolitical grievances.

 

Avoidance of conflict: The Italian elite tends to avoid open confrontation with Germany, as it is a key EU partner. Italy depends on close cooperation with Germany for economic growth and fiscal stability. The Polish elite, like Lithuania’s elite, are intoxicated by the power and the ability to turn all their neighbors into enemies.

 

“ELTA An Italian court has approved the extradition of a Ukrainian suspect to Germany in a case related to the attack on the Nord Stream gas pipeline, the suspect’s lawyer said on Monday.

 

The 49-year-old was arrested in late August while on holiday in Italy. He is considered one of the alleged organizers of the 2022 attacks that damaged gas pipelines from Russia to Germany. German prosecutors accuse the Ukrainian citizen of acting with others to cause an explosion and commit an act of unconstitutional sabotage.

 

A Bologna court had already approved his extradition in September, but the suspect’s lawyer appealed to the Italian Supreme Court, which stayed the transfer due to procedural errors. The Supreme Court then returned the case to Bologna, where a newly formed court was instructed to re-examine the case.”

 

Now that the trial is over, this terrorist will be tried in Germany.