About: Poland

Orban in Jerusalem: Challenging days for Europe-Israel relations

Endorsing Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban symbolizes a moral failure for modern-day Zionism. Straying from the high moral standards upon which Israel was established could become a real threat to the existence and well-being of Israel as we know it, and of world Jewry, writes Raanan Eliaz.

The untapped potential of EU-NATO cooperation

EU-NATO cooperation is a good framework for bringing Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and others, closer to the Alliance, and improving their security, writes Andreas Marazis.

Ireland’s Yes vote ushers in a new era for women’s rights in Europe

EU institutions should be emboldened to take concrete actions to defend reproductive freedom across the whole of Europe after Irish citizens voted massively in favour of repealing the country’s abortion ban, writes Caroline Hickson.

European elections in the era of disruption

To some extent the vote next May will be a test of the resilience of the forces of disruption, the main achievement of whom so far being Brexit, writes Geoffrey Harris.

Poland’s transport sector searches for top gear

The EU is rolling out more and more initiatives to boost e-mobility and the use of alternative fuels. Poland’s secretary of state for energy explains how his country is tackling the transport sector with an ambitious new plan.

Conditionality for protecting the rule of law: Will it fly?

The idea of making EU funding conditional with respect of the rule of law seems logical as legislatives changes adopted in Hungary and Poland are worrisome. But will it tackle the root of the problem? Ramona Coman and Nathalie Brack have the answer.

When disability becomes a death sentence

MEPs condemn 'mercy killing' in other countries, but are turning a blind eye to European abortion laws that discriminate against foetuses on the grounds of disability, writes Alice Neffe.

Clean air for everyone – Poland challenges smog

Environmental protection and the fight for clean air are global challenges in today’s world. Poland’s entrepreneurship and technology minister explains how her country is doing its bit to overcome air quality challenges.

Making the most of the European Values Instrument

The European Values Instrument can provide a much-needed boost to the weakened resilience of European democracies. However, the details of its structure will determine whether this opportunity will be grasped, write Jan Jakub Chromiec and Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz.

‘Capacity markets’ must remain technologically-neutral

The European Parliament’s approach to electricity market design is a serious challenge to security of energy supply in Poland and other EU member states, warns Frank Umbach.

Europe’s dangerous Holocaust revisionism

Holocaust revisionism isn't just about rewriting history, it's about curbing some of today's basic democratic freedoms like the rule of law and freedom of expression, warns William Echikson.

European values will not defend themselves

It is usual for companies to hire hackers who identify weak spots which can bring down an organisation. By the same token, the European Union should give the Polish government a generous award for showing what makes the Union vulnerable, write Jan Jakub Chromiec and Adam Traczyk.

How powerful can Poland’s Morawiecki really be?

Poland’s new prime minister is as much on a collision course with the Commission as with his own party. His first-time appearance and early departure from the last EU Council held on 14-15 December indicate that his future is still...

With freedom of thought under fire, Poland drifts away from democracy

When I think about the past two years in Poland, the infamous poem by Władysław Broniewski - "Word about Stalin", written on the occasion of the Soviet dictator's 70th birthday - comes to my mind, writes Bartosz T. Wieliński.

The EU has to fight for our nature and the rule of law

In the face of efforts by member states to destroy protected habitats and ignore EU nature laws, the EU must stand up for the rule of law and say enough is enough, writes Ariel Brunner.

A European FBI? Not quite

The European Commission's proposal for an independent body to investigate fraudulent use of EU funds and VAT crimes is long overdue. While not as fully-fledged as an EU version of the FBI, all member states should sign up to it - especially those who have currently opted out, writes Carl Dolan.

Macron’s defence visions are suicidal for Poland

Poland can have only one answer to the French visions for a common approach in European defence, writes Andrzej Talaga. And that answer is no.

Poland’s cherry picking of EU energy rules makes no sense

When it comes to EU energy policy, Warsaw does not always adhere to the letter and the spirit of EU law and tends to select rules a la carte, adapting them to Poland's narrowly-defined interests, writes Danila Bochkarev.

Russia turns its back on human rights with contempt for international court decisions

When members of the international community decide that human rights are a matter of expediency and not law, we are all at risk, warns Herta Däubler-Gmelin.

Be strong or die: Why Europe must become a superpower

The European Union desperately needs power. Not only to push forward but to survive, write Piotr Arak and Greg Lewicki.

Dismissing the Three Seas Initiative is counter-productive for Brussels

The Three Seas Initiative is viewed with suspicion in Brussels due to its political implications. The best thing the EU can do to make it a success and counter anti-EU rhetoric in Central and Eastern Europe is by embracing this project, writes Łukasz Janulewicz.

Sanctioning Poland over refugees would be wrong

The European Commission is threatening Poland with financial penalties for refusing to take in refugees. But that approach misses the bigger picture, writes Bartosz Brzeziński.

Energy security: Lowering ambition and leaving Ukraine out in the cold

Short-sightedness and lack of solidarity have hollowed out the energy package. While there are certain positive developments in the Security of Gas Supply Regulation, the EU is simply not up to the game in the new reality of energy geopolitics.