Notes from Poland
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Independent and informed news and insight on Polish politics, culture, business and history.
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notesfrompoland.com
We are seeking to hire a well-organised, highly motivated and talented person to join our non-profit media organisation as a part-time administration and development officer.
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Parliament has approved plans by the government to increase taxes on alcohol, sweetened beverages, and energy drinks from next year.
However, it appears likely that the measures will be vetoed by opposition-aligned President Nawrocki.
However, it appears likely that the measures will be vetoed by opposition-aligned President Nawrocki.
Polish parliament approves increased taxes on alcohol and sweet drinks, but presidential veto looms
notesfrompoland.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Parliament has approved plans by the government to increase taxes on alcohol, sweetened beverages, and energy drinks from next year.
However, it appears likely that the measures will be vetoed by opposition-aligned President Nawrocki.
However, it appears likely that the measures will be vetoed by opposition-aligned President Nawrocki.
South Korea has opened an office in Warsaw for promoting its cultural exports and fostering collaboration on content creation.
"We want Poland to become a hub connecting Central and Eastern Europe with East Asia," says KOCCA, the state creative content agency.
"We want Poland to become a hub connecting Central and Eastern Europe with East Asia," says KOCCA, the state creative content agency.
South Korea opens office in Poland to promote cultural exports and content creation
notesfrompoland.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:16 AM
South Korea has opened an office in Warsaw for promoting its cultural exports and fostering collaboration on content creation.
"We want Poland to become a hub connecting Central and Eastern Europe with East Asia," says KOCCA, the state creative content agency.
"We want Poland to become a hub connecting Central and Eastern Europe with East Asia," says KOCCA, the state creative content agency.
Reposted by Notes from Poland
Thirteen years ago, “Poland Can Into Space” was just a meme.
Now it’s reality. 🇵🇱
With @wojtekbrzezinski.pl, I discussed how ambition & smart public spending turned a joke into Europe’s fastest-growing space sector.
🎧 Full episode: The Warsaw Wire
Now it’s reality. 🇵🇱
With @wojtekbrzezinski.pl, I discussed how ambition & smart public spending turned a joke into Europe’s fastest-growing space sector.
🎧 Full episode: The Warsaw Wire
November 10, 2025 at 7:18 AM
Thirteen years ago, “Poland Can Into Space” was just a meme.
Now it’s reality. 🇵🇱
With @wojtekbrzezinski.pl, I discussed how ambition & smart public spending turned a joke into Europe’s fastest-growing space sector.
🎧 Full episode: The Warsaw Wire
Now it’s reality. 🇵🇱
With @wojtekbrzezinski.pl, I discussed how ambition & smart public spending turned a joke into Europe’s fastest-growing space sector.
🎧 Full episode: The Warsaw Wire
The authorities in Warsaw have adopted additional security measures for Tuesday's Independence March.
The use of drones has been prohibited in part of the city centre and carrying weapons is banned. Police will also carry out checks for pyrotechnics, which are illegal but often used at the march.
The use of drones has been prohibited in part of the city centre and carrying weapons is banned. Police will also carry out checks for pyrotechnics, which are illegal but often used at the march.
Szereg zakazów 11 listopada. Za złamanie grożą surowe kary
Policja przygotowuje się do obchodów Święta Niepodległości. Szczególnie środki wprowadzone zostaną w Warszawie, gdzie przejdzie Marsz Niepodległości. Ograniczenia obejmą przestrzeń powietrzną i ruch n...
www.polsatnews.pl
November 9, 2025 at 3:59 PM
The authorities in Warsaw have adopted additional security measures for Tuesday's Independence March.
The use of drones has been prohibited in part of the city centre and carrying weapons is banned. Police will also carry out checks for pyrotechnics, which are illegal but often used at the march.
The use of drones has been prohibited in part of the city centre and carrying weapons is banned. Police will also carry out checks for pyrotechnics, which are illegal but often used at the march.
A group of Belarusian exiles performed a 435km relay run around Warsaw along a route that created a map of Poland.
They say it was a "gesture of gratitude" to Poland for welcoming those fleeing Belarus as well as a celebration of Polish Independence Day.
They say it was a "gesture of gratitude" to Poland for welcoming those fleeing Belarus as well as a celebration of Polish Independence Day.
Belarusian exiles run 435km to create map of Poland ahead of Polish Independence Day
notesfrompoland.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:11 PM
A group of Belarusian exiles performed a 435km relay run around Warsaw along a route that created a map of Poland.
They say it was a "gesture of gratitude" to Poland for welcoming those fleeing Belarus as well as a celebration of Polish Independence Day.
They say it was a "gesture of gratitude" to Poland for welcoming those fleeing Belarus as well as a celebration of Polish Independence Day.
President Nawrocki has announced that he will join Tuesday's Independence March, which is organised annually by nationalist groups.
His predecessor, Andrzej Duda, did not attend the event during his decade as president, with the exception of 2018, on the centenary of Poland regaining independence.
His predecessor, Andrzej Duda, did not attend the event during his decade as president, with the exception of 2018, on the centenary of Poland regaining independence.
Polish president confirms attendance at Independence March
notesfrompoland.com
November 8, 2025 at 3:22 PM
President Nawrocki has announced that he will join Tuesday's Independence March, which is organised annually by nationalist groups.
His predecessor, Andrzej Duda, did not attend the event during his decade as president, with the exception of 2018, on the centenary of Poland regaining independence.
His predecessor, Andrzej Duda, did not attend the event during his decade as president, with the exception of 2018, on the centenary of Poland regaining independence.
S&P has maintained Poland's A- credit rating and also marked its outlook as stable, unlike the other two major rating agencies, which recently shifted it to negative.
S&P says "Poland's fiscal outlook is weak" but "economic growth outlook is strong" and "access to EU transfers is ample".
S&P says "Poland's fiscal outlook is weak" but "economic growth outlook is strong" and "access to EU transfers is ample".
Rating Polski. Jest decyzja. Minister finansów komentuje
Agencja S&P Global Ratings potwierdziła długoterminowy rating Polski w walucie obcej na poziomie "A-" ze stabilną perspektywą - poinformowała agencja w komunikacie. "Rynki patrzą na fakty, nie na ...
www.money.pl
November 8, 2025 at 1:44 PM
S&P has maintained Poland's A- credit rating and also marked its outlook as stable, unlike the other two major rating agencies, which recently shifted it to negative.
S&P says "Poland's fiscal outlook is weak" but "economic growth outlook is strong" and "access to EU transfers is ample".
S&P says "Poland's fiscal outlook is weak" but "economic growth outlook is strong" and "access to EU transfers is ample".
President Karol Nawrocki has vetoed plans by the government to create Poland’s first national park in 24 years.
Nawrocki, who is aligned with the right-wing opposition, argues that the park would “block the economic development of the region” and threaten Poland’s security.
Nawrocki, who is aligned with the right-wing opposition, argues that the park would “block the economic development of the region” and threaten Poland’s security.
President vetoes government plan to create Poland's first new national park in 24 years
notesfrompoland.com
November 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM
President Karol Nawrocki has vetoed plans by the government to create Poland’s first national park in 24 years.
Nawrocki, who is aligned with the right-wing opposition, argues that the park would “block the economic development of the region” and threaten Poland’s security.
Nawrocki, who is aligned with the right-wing opposition, argues that the park would “block the economic development of the region” and threaten Poland’s security.
Parliament has voted to strip former justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro of legal immunity so that he can be detained and charged for 26 alleged crimes, including leading a criminal group.
But it remains uncertain whether Ziobro will actually face those charges as he has left Poland for Hungary.
But it remains uncertain whether Ziobro will actually face those charges as he has left Poland for Hungary.
Former Polish justice minister Ziobro stripped of immunity to face charges for 26 alleged crimes
notesfrompoland.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Parliament has voted to strip former justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro of legal immunity so that he can be detained and charged for 26 alleged crimes, including leading a criminal group.
But it remains uncertain whether Ziobro will actually face those charges as he has left Poland for Hungary.
But it remains uncertain whether Ziobro will actually face those charges as he has left Poland for Hungary.
President Nawrocki has presented a bill to cut electricity prices by 33% for households and 20% for businesses.
The measures fulfil one of Nawrocki's key campaign promises. But they still require approval by parliament, where the ruling majority is opposed to the president.
The measures fulfil one of Nawrocki's key campaign promises. But they still require approval by parliament, where the ruling majority is opposed to the president.
Polish president presents bill to cut household electricity bills by 33%
notesfrompoland.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:02 PM
President Nawrocki has presented a bill to cut electricity prices by 33% for households and 20% for businesses.
The measures fulfil one of Nawrocki's key campaign promises. But they still require approval by parliament, where the ruling majority is opposed to the president.
The measures fulfil one of Nawrocki's key campaign promises. But they still require approval by parliament, where the ruling majority is opposed to the president.
Polish state energy giant Orlen has signed an agreement with its Ukrainian counterpart Naftogaz to continue supplying Ukraine with gas from the United States delivered to Poland as liquefied natural gas (LNG).
ORLEN dostarczy Ukrainie gaz z USA. Podpisano porozumienie na dostawy w 2026 roku
ORLEN i Naftogaz podpisali porozumienie, określające warunki przyszłego kontraktu na dostawy gazu. Polska spółka dostarczy ukraińskiemu partnerowi ponad 300 mln metrów sześciennych gazu. Surowiec będz...
www.orlen.pl
November 7, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Polish state energy giant Orlen has signed an agreement with its Ukrainian counterpart Naftogaz to continue supplying Ukraine with gas from the United States delivered to Poland as liquefied natural gas (LNG).
American Merops anti-drone systems have been deployed to Poland, as the country and its allies seek to step up air defences on NATO’s eastern flank in response to recent Russian drone incursions.
American anti-drone systems deployed in Poland
notesfrompoland.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:23 PM
American Merops anti-drone systems have been deployed to Poland, as the country and its allies seek to step up air defences on NATO’s eastern flank in response to recent Russian drone incursions.
Poland’s population could shrink even more than previously forecast, according to a new simulation by the state statistics agency that assumes current record-low birth rates will continue.
The population would fall to just 29.4 million by 2060, down from 37.4 million currently.
The population would fall to just 29.4 million by 2060, down from 37.4 million currently.
Poland’s population may fall further than forecast as fertility rate hits record low, warns stats agency
notesfrompoland.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Poland’s population could shrink even more than previously forecast, according to a new simulation by the state statistics agency that assumes current record-low birth rates will continue.
The population would fall to just 29.4 million by 2060, down from 37.4 million currently.
The population would fall to just 29.4 million by 2060, down from 37.4 million currently.
We are seeking to hire a well-organised, highly motivated and talented person to join our non-profit media organisation as a part-time administration and development officer.
Click below for details on the position and how to apply.
Deadline: 23 November.
Click below for details on the position and how to apply.
Deadline: 23 November.
We're hiring: administration and development officer (part time)
notesfrompoland.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:51 AM
We are seeking to hire a well-organised, highly motivated and talented person to join our non-profit media organisation as a part-time administration and development officer.
Click below for details on the position and how to apply.
Deadline: 23 November.
Click below for details on the position and how to apply.
Deadline: 23 November.
Passengers on a high-speed train between Poland's two largest cities were taken by surprise when a sheep wearing a nappy began wandering through the carriages.
Sheep in nappy spotted on Polish high-speed train
notesfrompoland.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Passengers on a high-speed train between Poland's two largest cities were taken by surprise when a sheep wearing a nappy began wandering through the carriages.
The justice ministry has presented a bill that would overhaul one of the institutions at the heart of Poland's rule-of-law crisis.
It wants to ensure that the National Council of the Judiciary, which is responsible for nominating judges, is made independent of political control.
It wants to ensure that the National Council of the Judiciary, which is responsible for nominating judges, is made independent of political control.
Polish justice ministry presents "compromise" plan to overhaul judicial body
notesfrompoland.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:31 PM
The justice ministry has presented a bill that would overhaul one of the institutions at the heart of Poland's rule-of-law crisis.
It wants to ensure that the National Council of the Judiciary, which is responsible for nominating judges, is made independent of political control.
It wants to ensure that the National Council of the Judiciary, which is responsible for nominating judges, is made independent of political control.
A court has fined two journalists for publishing statements emailed to them by a public media official without first seeking his authorisation.
Polish press law requires authorisation for quotes, but the reporters argue it was unnecessary since the statement was published word for word.
Polish press law requires authorisation for quotes, but the reporters argue it was unnecessary since the statement was published word for word.
Polish journalists fined for "unauthorised" publication of emailed statements
notesfrompoland.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:08 PM
A court has fined two journalists for publishing statements emailed to them by a public media official without first seeking his authorisation.
Polish press law requires authorisation for quotes, but the reporters argue it was unnecessary since the statement was published word for word.
Polish press law requires authorisation for quotes, but the reporters argue it was unnecessary since the statement was published word for word.
Poland is in talks with the US over establishing a "Polish gas hub" that will receive increased quantities of American LNG, which will then be supplied to Ukraine and Slovakia.
Poland seeks to act as hub for increased US liquefied natural gas supplies to Ukraine and Slovakia
notesfrompoland.com
November 6, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Poland is in talks with the US over establishing a "Polish gas hub" that will receive increased quantities of American LNG, which will then be supplied to Ukraine and Slovakia.
Poland has celebrated its “success” in delaying the introduction of a new EU system for limiting emissions from vehicles and home heating.
However, it was also among a losing minority of four member states that voted against a new EU target to cut emissions 90% by 2040.
However, it was also among a losing minority of four member states that voted against a new EU target to cut emissions 90% by 2040.
Poland hails "success" in delaying new EU emissions system
notesfrompoland.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Poland has celebrated its “success” in delaying the introduction of a new EU system for limiting emissions from vehicles and home heating.
However, it was also among a losing minority of four member states that voted against a new EU target to cut emissions 90% by 2040.
However, it was also among a losing minority of four member states that voted against a new EU target to cut emissions 90% by 2040.
Poland has the highest rate of employment for Ukrainian refugees among OECD countries, at 78%.
It also has one of the highest levels of employment among immigrants as a whole, new figures show.
It also has one of the highest levels of employment among immigrants as a whole, new figures show.
Poland has highest employment rate for Ukrainian refugees in OECD
notesfrompoland.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Poland has the highest rate of employment for Ukrainian refugees among OECD countries, at 78%.
It also has one of the highest levels of employment among immigrants as a whole, new figures show.
It also has one of the highest levels of employment among immigrants as a whole, new figures show.
Pioneering Polish photographer Zofia Rydet is the subject of her first major solo exhibition in the UK.
It focuses on her groundbreaking project "Sociological Record", in which she documented the homes and people of Poland in over 20,000 images taken between 1978 and 1997.
It focuses on her groundbreaking project "Sociological Record", in which she documented the homes and people of Poland in over 20,000 images taken between 1978 and 1997.
London exhibition shows pioneering work of Polish "sociological photographer" Zofia Rydet
notesfrompoland.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Pioneering Polish photographer Zofia Rydet is the subject of her first major solo exhibition in the UK.
It focuses on her groundbreaking project "Sociological Record", in which she documented the homes and people of Poland in over 20,000 images taken between 1978 and 1997.
It focuses on her groundbreaking project "Sociological Record", in which she documented the homes and people of Poland in over 20,000 images taken between 1978 and 1997.
The abandoned Modlin Fortress near Warsaw, which was initially constructed by Napoleon and later expanded by Tsarist Russia, will be turned into a hotel under plans announced by the developer that bought the site over a decade ago.
Abandoned 19th-century fortress near Warsaw to be turned into hotel
notesfrompoland.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:01 PM
The abandoned Modlin Fortress near Warsaw, which was initially constructed by Napoleon and later expanded by Tsarist Russia, will be turned into a hotel under plans announced by the developer that bought the site over a decade ago.
Whisky is now Poland’s fastest-growing alcohol export, with overseas sales rising fivefold since 2021.
Meanwhile, the share of vodka among exported spirits has fallen from 80% two decades ago to 38% now.
Meanwhile, the share of vodka among exported spirits has fallen from 80% two decades ago to 38% now.
Whisky now Poland's fastest-growing alcohol export after sales rise fivefold since 2021
notesfrompoland.com
November 4, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Whisky is now Poland’s fastest-growing alcohol export, with overseas sales rising fivefold since 2021.
Meanwhile, the share of vodka among exported spirits has fallen from 80% two decades ago to 38% now.
Meanwhile, the share of vodka among exported spirits has fallen from 80% two decades ago to 38% now.
Kraków's conservator of monuments has ordered an inspection of the historic building that Robert De Niro's company is turning into a luxury hotel.
A local MP recently raised concern that the building is being damaged during the construction work.
A local MP recently raised concern that the building is being damaged during the construction work.
Miejski konserwator zabytków interweniuje w sprawie Miastoprojektu przerabianego na hotel. Inwestycję ma skontrolować Nadzór Budowlany
dziennikpolski24.pl
November 4, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Kraków's conservator of monuments has ordered an inspection of the historic building that Robert De Niro's company is turning into a luxury hotel.
A local MP recently raised concern that the building is being damaged during the construction work.
A local MP recently raised concern that the building is being damaged during the construction work.
New academic research suggests that the areas in Poland which introduced anti-LGBT+ resolutions subsequently saw an increase in people seeking to move away, with data showing in particular that young residents - and especially young women - left.
Polish anti-LGBT zones pushed young locals to leave, finds study
notesfrompoland.com
November 3, 2025 at 6:00 PM
New academic research suggests that the areas in Poland which introduced anti-LGBT+ resolutions subsequently saw an increase in people seeking to move away, with data showing in particular that young residents - and especially young women - left.