Notes from Poland
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Independent and informed news and insight on Polish politics, culture, business and history.
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Poland 2050, a junior partner in the ruling coalition, has invalidated its leadership election amid claims of "external interference" in the online voting system.
Meanwhile, party leader Szymon Hołownia, who was meant to be stepping down, has not ruled standing if a new election is called.
Meanwhile, party leader Szymon Hołownia, who was meant to be stepping down, has not ruled standing if a new election is called.
Junior Polish ruling party invalidates leadership election amid claims of "external interference"
notesfrompoland.com
January 13, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Poland 2050, a junior partner in the ruling coalition, has invalidated its leadership election amid claims of "external interference" in the online voting system.
Meanwhile, party leader Szymon Hołownia, who was meant to be stepping down, has not ruled standing if a new election is called.
Meanwhile, party leader Szymon Hołownia, who was meant to be stepping down, has not ruled standing if a new election is called.
Poland's President Karol Nawrocki has met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, with both leaders hailing the strength of Polish-British relations.
Afterwards, Nawrocki said that the talks had focused on enhancing military cooperation and economic ties.
Afterwards, Nawrocki said that the talks had focused on enhancing military cooperation and economic ties.
Karol Nawrocki z wizytą w Londynie. Spotkanie z Keirem Starmerem - TVN24
Nasze spotkania jest bardzo szerokie, ale oczywiście skupimy się na bezpieczeństwie - przekazał prezydent Karol Nawrocki przed rozmową z Keirem Starmerem w Londynie. Premier Wielkiej Brytanii podkreśl...
tvn24.pl
January 13, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Poland's President Karol Nawrocki has met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, with both leaders hailing the strength of Polish-British relations.
Afterwards, Nawrocki said that the talks had focused on enhancing military cooperation and economic ties.
Afterwards, Nawrocki said that the talks had focused on enhancing military cooperation and economic ties.
Russia has summoned the Polish ambassador to demand the release of a Russian archaeologist who was detained in Poland at the request of Ukraine.
A Warsaw court is due this week to rule on whether he should be extradited to face trial in Ukraine, where he is accused of conducting illegal excavations
A Warsaw court is due this week to rule on whether he should be extradited to face trial in Ukraine, where he is accused of conducting illegal excavations
Moscow demands Poland release Russian archaeologist wanted by Ukraine
notesfrompoland.com
January 13, 2026 at 10:58 AM
Russia has summoned the Polish ambassador to demand the release of a Russian archaeologist who was detained in Poland at the request of Ukraine.
A Warsaw court is due this week to rule on whether he should be extradited to face trial in Ukraine, where he is accused of conducting illegal excavations
A Warsaw court is due this week to rule on whether he should be extradited to face trial in Ukraine, where he is accused of conducting illegal excavations
Poland's government is sending copies of a booklet advising how to prepare for and act in emergencies to all 17 million households in the country.
The guide includes information on what to do in the event of military attacks, terrorist threats and natural disasters.
The guide includes information on what to do in the event of military attacks, terrorist threats and natural disasters.
Government sends safety handbook to every household in Poland
notesfrompoland.com
January 12, 2026 at 1:49 PM
Poland's government is sending copies of a booklet advising how to prepare for and act in emergencies to all 17 million households in the country.
The guide includes information on what to do in the event of military attacks, terrorist threats and natural disasters.
The guide includes information on what to do in the event of military attacks, terrorist threats and natural disasters.
Hungary has granted asylum to former Polish justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro, who is facing charges in Poland for alleged crimes committed when he served in the former PiS government.
Ziobro thanked Viktor Orbán for defending him against "political persecution" and "Tusk’s psychopathic revenge".
Ziobro thanked Viktor Orbán for defending him against "political persecution" and "Tusk’s psychopathic revenge".
Hungary grants asylum to Polish former justice minister Ziobro
notesfrompoland.com
January 12, 2026 at 11:21 AM
Hungary has granted asylum to former Polish justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro, who is facing charges in Poland for alleged crimes committed when he served in the former PiS government.
Ziobro thanked Viktor Orbán for defending him against "political persecution" and "Tusk’s psychopathic revenge".
Ziobro thanked Viktor Orbán for defending him against "political persecution" and "Tusk’s psychopathic revenge".
Poland’s largest manufacturer of trains and trams, Pesa, has announced the acquisition of German rival HeiterBlick as it seeks to expand its operations across Europe.
Polish train and tram maker Pesa buys German rival
notesfrompoland.com
January 12, 2026 at 9:46 AM
Poland’s largest manufacturer of trains and trams, Pesa, has announced the acquisition of German rival HeiterBlick as it seeks to expand its operations across Europe.
Karol Nawrocki has become Poland’s first president to attend the annual pilgrimage of football fans to the country’s holiest Catholic shrine, where he called for a “Poland without illegal immigrants” and "defence of the slogan: God, honour, fatherland".
President calls for "Poland without illegal immigrants" at football fan pilgrimage to Catholic shrine
notesfrompoland.com
January 11, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Karol Nawrocki has become Poland’s first president to attend the annual pilgrimage of football fans to the country’s holiest Catholic shrine, where he called for a “Poland without illegal immigrants” and "defence of the slogan: God, honour, fatherland".
Poland has won the United Cup, a mixed-sex team tennis tournament, for the first time, beating Switzerland in the final.
After Iga Świątek's loss in the opener, Hubert Hurkacz and doubles pair Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski won to give Poland victory.
After Iga Świątek's loss in the opener, Hubert Hurkacz and doubles pair Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski won to give Poland victory.
United Cup: Poland beat Switzerland and win tournament for first title
Poland battle back to beat Switzerland 2-1 in the United Cup final in Sydney to win the mixed-gender tournament for the first time.
www.bbc.com
January 11, 2026 at 3:58 PM
Poland has won the United Cup, a mixed-sex team tennis tournament, for the first time, beating Switzerland in the final.
After Iga Świątek's loss in the opener, Hubert Hurkacz and doubles pair Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski won to give Poland victory.
After Iga Świątek's loss in the opener, Hubert Hurkacz and doubles pair Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski won to give Poland victory.
Parliament has approved a law recognising Silesian, which is spoken by hundreds of thousands of people in Poland, as a regional language
However, a previous such bill was vetoed by former President Duda in 2024, and a similar fate may await the new one once it reaches the desk of President Nawrocki
However, a previous such bill was vetoed by former President Duda in 2024, and a similar fate may await the new one once it reaches the desk of President Nawrocki
Law recognising Silesian as regional language in Poland approved by parliament
notesfrompoland.com
January 10, 2026 at 7:28 PM
Parliament has approved a law recognising Silesian, which is spoken by hundreds of thousands of people in Poland, as a regional language
However, a previous such bill was vetoed by former President Duda in 2024, and a similar fate may await the new one once it reaches the desk of President Nawrocki
However, a previous such bill was vetoed by former President Duda in 2024, and a similar fate may await the new one once it reaches the desk of President Nawrocki
No candidate received a majority in the first round of voting to choose a new leader of Poland 2050, one of Poland's ruling parties.
The top two, Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz (who got 277 votes) and Paulina Hennig-Kloska (131 votes), will therefore meet in a final run-off vote on Monday.
The top two, Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz (who got 277 votes) and Paulina Hennig-Kloska (131 votes), will therefore meet in a final run-off vote on Monday.
Polska 2050 wybiera nowego przewodniczącego. Kto zastąpi Hołownię? Znamy wyniki I tury
Znamy wyniki pierwszej tury wyborów nowego przewodniczącego Polski 2050. O schedę po Szymonie Hołowni zawalczy Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz i Paulina Hennig-Kloska.
wiadomosci.gazeta.pl
January 10, 2026 at 4:59 PM
No candidate received a majority in the first round of voting to choose a new leader of Poland 2050, one of Poland's ruling parties.
The top two, Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz (who got 277 votes) and Paulina Hennig-Kloska (131 votes), will therefore meet in a final run-off vote on Monday.
The top two, Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz (who got 277 votes) and Paulina Hennig-Kloska (131 votes), will therefore meet in a final run-off vote on Monday.
Gas consumption reached its highest ever level in Poland this week - breaking a record set in 2021 - amid freezing winter temperatures and as the fuel continues to play a bigger role in the country's energy mix.
Poland logs record gas consumption amid freezing temperatures
notesfrompoland.com
January 10, 2026 at 3:16 PM
Gas consumption reached its highest ever level in Poland this week - breaking a record set in 2021 - amid freezing winter temperatures and as the fuel continues to play a bigger role in the country's energy mix.
Poland's team defeated defending champions the USA in the semi-final of tennis's United Cup. They will now play Switzerland in the final
It is the third year in a row that Poland has reached the final, having previously twice finished runner-up.
It is the third year in a row that Poland has reached the final, having previously twice finished runner-up.
Poland eliminates U.S., reaches United Cup final
Poland reached the United Cup final after Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski beat Coco Gauff and Christian Harrison 7-6 (5), 7-6 (3) in a mixed doubles decider.
www.espn.com
January 10, 2026 at 2:27 PM
Poland's team defeated defending champions the USA in the semi-final of tennis's United Cup. They will now play Switzerland in the final
It is the third year in a row that Poland has reached the final, having previously twice finished runner-up.
It is the third year in a row that Poland has reached the final, having previously twice finished runner-up.
Two men drove their car across a frozen lake in Poland, but the ice broke beneath them and the vehicle sank underwater
The men managed to escape, and were detained by police nearby. But rescuers still had to enter the water to check no one remained inside.
The men managed to escape, and were detained by police nearby. But rescuers still had to enter the water to check no one remained inside.
Jeździli po zamarzniętym jeziorze, lód pękł.
Skrajną nieodpowiedzialnością wykazało się dwóch mężczyzn, którzy postanowili pojeździć samochodem po zamarzniętym jeziorze pod Tczewem. Kiedy byli na środku zbiornika, lód się załamał. Pojazd poszedł...
www.polsatnews.pl
January 10, 2026 at 1:49 PM
Two men drove their car across a frozen lake in Poland, but the ice broke beneath them and the vehicle sank underwater
The men managed to escape, and were detained by police nearby. But rescuers still had to enter the water to check no one remained inside.
The men managed to escape, and were detained by police nearby. But rescuers still had to enter the water to check no one remained inside.
President Nawrocki has vetoed a bill allowing the blocking of online content, arguing that it would have introduced "censorship reminiscent of Orwell".
But the government says the veto is “not a defence of free speech” but protection for “paedophiles and scammers".
But the government says the veto is “not a defence of free speech” but protection for “paedophiles and scammers".
Polish president vetoes "Orwellian" law allowing blocking of online content
notesfrompoland.com
January 10, 2026 at 11:28 AM
President Nawrocki has vetoed a bill allowing the blocking of online content, arguing that it would have introduced "censorship reminiscent of Orwell".
But the government says the veto is “not a defence of free speech” but protection for “paedophiles and scammers".
But the government says the veto is “not a defence of free speech” but protection for “paedophiles and scammers".
After holding their first meeting in months, Prime Minister Donald Tusk and opposition-aligned President Karol Nawrocki have agreed to put aside their differences in other areas in order to pursue a common line on security, including a potential peace deal in Ukraine.
Poland's warring president and PM pledge cooperation on security and Ukraine peace process
notesfrompoland.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:26 PM
After holding their first meeting in months, Prime Minister Donald Tusk and opposition-aligned President Karol Nawrocki have agreed to put aside their differences in other areas in order to pursue a common line on security, including a potential peace deal in Ukraine.
The Polish government has approved a bill providing greater financial support to elite female athletes after they give birth.
It also includes measures to provide sports referees with the same level of protection as public officials.
It also includes measures to provide sports referees with the same level of protection as public officials.
Poland plans greater support for female athletes after childbirth and protection for referees
notesfrompoland.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:05 PM
The Polish government has approved a bill providing greater financial support to elite female athletes after they give birth.
It also includes measures to provide sports referees with the same level of protection as public officials.
It also includes measures to provide sports referees with the same level of protection as public officials.
EU member states have approved a major free trade agreement with the South American Mercosur bloc, despite Poland, France, Austria, Hungary and Ireland voting against it.
The Polish government says it plans to challenge the deal at the EU's top court.
The Polish government says it plans to challenge the deal at the EU's top court.
Poland fails in bid block EU's Mercosur trade deal, as farmers protest in Warsaw
notesfrompoland.com
January 9, 2026 at 1:40 PM
EU member states have approved a major free trade agreement with the South American Mercosur bloc, despite Poland, France, Austria, Hungary and Ireland voting against it.
The Polish government says it plans to challenge the deal at the EU's top court.
The Polish government says it plans to challenge the deal at the EU's top court.
Poland’s education ministry is seeking to introduce measures to give students greater rights to choose their own clothing and hairstyles when attending school.
Pupils should “have the right to shape their own appearance”, says the ministry.
Pupils should “have the right to shape their own appearance”, says the ministry.
Poland wants to protect school students’ right to choose their own clothes and hairstyle
notesfrompoland.com
January 9, 2026 at 11:52 AM
Poland’s education ministry is seeking to introduce measures to give students greater rights to choose their own clothing and hairstyles when attending school.
Pupils should “have the right to shape their own appearance”, says the ministry.
Pupils should “have the right to shape their own appearance”, says the ministry.
Poland has been removed as the host of two European junior weightlifting championships after refusing to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to take part.
The European Weightlifting Federation says it "does not accept discrimination based on geopolitical circumstances".
The European Weightlifting Federation says it "does not accept discrimination based on geopolitical circumstances".
Poland removed as host of weightlifting championships for refusing Russian athletes
notesfrompoland.com
January 9, 2026 at 10:26 AM
Poland has been removed as the host of two European junior weightlifting championships after refusing to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to take part.
The European Weightlifting Federation says it "does not accept discrimination based on geopolitical circumstances".
The European Weightlifting Federation says it "does not accept discrimination based on geopolitical circumstances".
Prime Minister Donald Tusk has suspended work on a law intended to strengthen employment rights by clamping down on the use of B2B and "junk" contracts.
His decision could put billions in EU funds at risk, and has also caused tension within the ruling coalition.
His decision could put billions in EU funds at risk, and has also caused tension within the ruling coalition.
Poland suspends work on labour reform, risking billions in EU funds
notesfrompoland.com
January 8, 2026 at 3:34 PM
Prime Minister Donald Tusk has suspended work on a law intended to strengthen employment rights by clamping down on the use of B2B and "junk" contracts.
His decision could put billions in EU funds at risk, and has also caused tension within the ruling coalition.
His decision could put billions in EU funds at risk, and has also caused tension within the ruling coalition.
Poland’s justice ministry wants to change the law so that the crime of “offending religious feelings” no longer carries a potential prison sentence.
It notes that the European Court of Human Rights has found punishment under the current law to be too severe.
It notes that the European Court of Human Rights has found punishment under the current law to be too severe.
Justice ministry seeks to end jail terms for blasphemy in Poland
notesfrompoland.com
January 8, 2026 at 12:27 PM
Poland’s justice ministry wants to change the law so that the crime of “offending religious feelings” no longer carries a potential prison sentence.
It notes that the European Court of Human Rights has found punishment under the current law to be too severe.
It notes that the European Court of Human Rights has found punishment under the current law to be too severe.
TikTok has deleted six videos posted by Polish far-right leader Grzegorz Braun, including one relating to his attack on a Jewish religious celebration in parliament.
Its made the decision after the content was reported by a Polish anti-racism group.
Its made the decision after the content was reported by a Polish anti-racism group.
TikTok deletes videos Polish far-right leader's videos following complaint by anti-racism group
notesfrompoland.com
January 8, 2026 at 8:30 AM
TikTok has deleted six videos posted by Polish far-right leader Grzegorz Braun, including one relating to his attack on a Jewish religious celebration in parliament.
Its made the decision after the content was reported by a Polish anti-racism group.
Its made the decision after the content was reported by a Polish anti-racism group.
The proportion of Poles opposed to accepting Ukrainian refugees has reached its highest ever level of 46%, up from 3% in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion.
Other recent surveys have also indicated that sentiment is turning against Ukrainian refugees, almost a million of whom remain in Poland
Other recent surveys have also indicated that sentiment is turning against Ukrainian refugees, almost a million of whom remain in Poland
Opposition to accepting Ukrainian refugees rises to highest ever level in Poland
notesfrompoland.com
January 7, 2026 at 10:21 PM
The proportion of Poles opposed to accepting Ukrainian refugees has reached its highest ever level of 46%, up from 3% in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion.
Other recent surveys have also indicated that sentiment is turning against Ukrainian refugees, almost a million of whom remain in Poland
Other recent surveys have also indicated that sentiment is turning against Ukrainian refugees, almost a million of whom remain in Poland
Four former police officers are among 82 people who will stand trial accused of running strip clubs that intoxicated clients to the point of unconsciousness then stole money from their bank accounts.
The operation targeted foreign visitors in particular.
The operation targeted foreign visitors in particular.
Ex-police officers to stand trial for drugging and stealing from strip-club clients in Poland
notesfrompoland.com
January 7, 2026 at 1:06 PM
Four former police officers are among 82 people who will stand trial accused of running strip clubs that intoxicated clients to the point of unconsciousness then stole money from their bank accounts.
The operation targeted foreign visitors in particular.
The operation targeted foreign visitors in particular.
Far-right leader Grzegorz Braun, whose party has recently been rising in the polls, has announced that he wants Mateusz Piskorski, a man currently on trial for alleged espionage on behalf of Russia, to be one of his parliamentary election candidates.
Polish far-right leader Braun names man on trial for Russian espionage as election candidate
notesfrompoland.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:09 AM
Far-right leader Grzegorz Braun, whose party has recently been rising in the polls, has announced that he wants Mateusz Piskorski, a man currently on trial for alleged espionage on behalf of Russia, to be one of his parliamentary election candidates.