About: Poland
Fallout from the Kaczynski Twin Towers scandal
The public image of Poland’s political mastermind Jarosław Kaczyński and his ruling conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party was shattered by revelations published by the Gazeta Wyborcza daily on Tuesday (29 January). Piotr Kaczyński (unrelated to the PiS leader) looks into the fallout.
Russian Orthodoxy, a security issue in Ukraine
The politico-spiritual move away from Russian Orthodoxy, presented by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko as a major national security issue, has deeply angered Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has political ambitions in the region, writes Willy Fautré.
Mussels, health, and Baltic tourism. What do they have in common?
Initiatives like the Baltic Sea Region combine the unusual and predictable in developing people’s sense of shared responsibility for the development of their home regions, writes Jerzy Kwieciński.
The migrants are coming to Poland. Let’s welcome them
Polish deputy minister for development, Paweł Chorąży, left government because he said a banal and obvious thing: Without immigrants in Poland, there will be not enough hands to work and no economic growth. Rather than demonise them, the government should welcome the newcomers, writes Bartosz T. Wieliński.
An EU anti-smog fund for Poland
Poland has some of the worst air quality in the EU. But fighting smog is expensive. The Modernisation Fund set up as part of the Emissions Trading Scheme could help here, writes Joanna Maćkowiak-Pandera.
Mega infrastructure projects win over clean energy in Visegrad Four
In the Visegrad countries, decision makers prefer their historical favourites – coal and nuclear – to renewable sources and energy efficiency. As the Global Climate Action Summit resumes in San Francisco, it’s important to realise that corporate leadership can also shape the outlook for clean energy in Eastern Europe, writes Ada Ámon.
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.