Relations Between Polish Immigrant Organisations in Germany and Institutions of the Polish and German States

This paper assesses relations between Polish immigrant organisations and institutions of the Polish and German states as well as the impact of these relations on how such organisations function. According to empirical research, Polish immigrant organisations have limited contact or co-operation with the institutions of the German state and have far greater relations with Polish diplomatic missions. The reasons for that may lie within specific attitudes held by all three parties. Polish immigrant organisations seem to be passive in relation to the rather reactive institutions of the German state while, at the same time, the institutions of the Polish state actively support the Polish diaspora organisations. Such a state of affairs can exert a negative impact on the organisations, especially with regard to their financial situation.