PolandOwnership & classification
Founded: 2014
Ownership
Notes from Poland is an English-language news outlet about Poland founded in 2014 in Krakow by academic Stanley Bill (University of Cambridge). It is published by the Notes from Poland Foundation (Fundacja Notes from Poland), a registered Polish non-profit established on 22 November 2018, with Bill as chair of the board, Daniel Tilles as editor-in-chief and Agnieszka Wadolowska as managing editor.
Funding
It operates as a non-profit financed mainly by reader donations, supplemented by grants; it explicitly stresses editorial independence from its funders and carries limited advertising/partnerships.
Affiliation & stance
It has no party, government or corporate-owner ties and produces straight news and explainers with a broadly centrist, pro-rule-of-law outlook. Because it is controlled by an independent journalist-run non-profit foundation with no state or party influence, it is INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 56
82/100
Factual
76/100
Objective
64
Articles
64
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
How will the Law and Justice split affect Polish politics?
The article discusses the significant internal split within Poland's ruling party, Law and Justice (PiS), marking the largest division in its 25-year history. This fracture stems from longstanding tensions between party leader Jarosław Kaczyński and former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, who now leads a faction advocating for a more radical right-wing agenda. The split reflects broader challenges facing PiS as it loses support to radical right-wing groups like the Confederation (Konfederacja) and the ultra-nationalist Confederation of the Polish Crown (KKP). While the division weakens PiS, it could potentially lead to the rise of a new center-right party under Morawiecki, which might benefit the current governing coalition led by Donald Tusk. The article highlights the implications of this political fragmentation for Poland's future governance.
Polish NGOs urge PM’s “right-hand man” to withdraw constitutional court candidacy
Polish civil society organizations have called on former government minister Maciej Berek, referred to as the prime minister's 'right-hand man,' to withdraw his candidacy for a seat on the Constitutional Tribunal (TK). The groups argue that Berek's close ties to the current government could compromise the tribunal's independence, which has been under scrutiny since 2015 when the previous Law and Justice (PiS) government controversially appointed judges. The appeal comes after Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced Berek's candidacy, despite Tusk's earlier promise to depoliticize the tribunal. The organizations emphasize that true reform requires rebuilding public trust rather than simply replacing existing members. They include prominent institutions such as the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights and the Stefan Batory Foundation, highlighting concerns about the perception of political influence in judicial appointments.
Poland summons Israeli ambassador over discontinued investigation into killing of Gaza aid workers
Poland has summoned Israel's ambassador to express 'great disappointment' over the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) decision to discontinue an investigation into the 2024 strike on a humanitarian aid convoy in Gaza that killed seven aid workers, including a Polish national, Damian Soból. The incident occurred when Israeli drones targeted a convoy operated by the World Central Kitchen (WCK), leading to international condemnation. The IDF stated it closed the case due to lack of evidence of criminal misconduct, citing misidentification of armed individuals and uncoordinated security arrangements. Poland criticized the IDF's handling of the incident, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency. The IDF acknowledged errors in identifying armed individuals but maintained that no further action was warranted.
New official tasked with promoting Poland criticised over error-strewn, potentially AI-generated report
A government official appointed to promote Poland internationally, Barbara Mróz-Gorgoń, has faced criticism after a report she authored was found to contain geographical errors and exhibit characteristics of AI-generated content. The report, titled 'A Self-Portrait of the Poles,' was linked to a project supposedly funded by the Ministry of Sports and Tourism, although the ministry denied involvement. Critics, including opposition figures and journalists, questioned the accuracy of the report and raised concerns about potential misuse of public funds. The report featured incorrect location data, mixed languages, and unconventional phrasing, prompting calls for an investigation into possible fraud or negligence.
Poland tests 250 km/h train speeds for planned cuts to intercity journey times
Poland has successfully tested a Pendolino train reaching 253 km/h on the Central Main Line (CMK), marking progress toward reducing travel times between major cities. The tests, conducted on the GSM-R data transmission system, aim to allow trains to run at 250 km/h from December 2027, cutting the Warsaw-Kraków journey to under two hours and significantly shortening other routes like Warsaw-Wrocław. This development follows earlier records set in 2013 and includes plans for international operations, such as a temporary service between Prague and Bohumín. Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak emphasized the importance of these advancements, while Deputy Minister Piotr Malepszak noted delays in adapting the rail network.
Polish government proposes middle-class tax cuts funded by increased rates for wealthiest
The Polish government has proposed reducing income tax rates for approximately 3.5 million individuals earning around or slightly above average salaries, aiming to provide financial relief to the growing middle class. The plan would be funded by increasing tax rates for high earners and large corporations. The changes, announced by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Finance Minister Andrzej Domański, include raising the lower tax bracket threshold from 120,000 zloty to 130,000 zloty and introducing a new 24% tax bracket for incomes between 130,000 and 150,000 zloty. The proposal comes as the government prepares for re-election, with parliamentary approval required. Tusk emphasized that rising wages have pushed more people into higher tax brackets, and he argued that the middle class bears significant responsibility for funding national security and defense.
Poland launches tourism campaign featuring Lewandowski, Eisenberg and Rubik
Poland has launched a tourism campaign titled 'Poland. More than you expected' aimed at attracting international visitors, particularly from Europe and the United States. The campaign features prominent Polish figures including footballer Robert Lewandowski, model Anja Rubik, filmmaker Jesse Eisenberg, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Wałęsa. It includes promotional videos highlighting Warsaw's landmarks and cultural heritage, with references to historical figures like Chopin. The campaign is managed by the Polish Tourism Organisation (POT) and supported by the Ministry of Sports and Tourism. The campaign emphasizes modernity, safety, diversity, and authenticity, aiming to challenge preconceived notions about Poland. The campaign also includes appearances by Polish-American NBA player Jeremy Sochan.
Warsaw Uprising veteran and activist Wanda Traczyk-Stawska dies aged 99
Wanda Traczyk-Stawska, a 99-year-old veteran of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against Nazi Germany, has passed away. Born in 1927, she joined the underground resistance at age 12 and later served in the Home Army during the uprising, earning the nickname 'Pączek.' After surviving imprisonment in German camps, she dedicated her life to teaching and advocating for the rights of disabled individuals and women. In her later years, she became politically active, supporting disability rights protests and joining the 2020 Women's Strike against Poland's anti-abortion laws. Her death has been widely mourned, with Warsaw's mayor calling her a 'heroine' and 'teacher' who embodied courage and dignity.
Polish PM confirms he wants his “right-hand man” to be made constitutional court judge
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced his intention to appoint Maciej Berek, a former government minister and close ally, as a judge on Poland's Constitutional Tribunal (TK). This decision has sparked controversy, as Tusk's ruling coalition had previously committed to depoliticizing the tribunal following the previous national-conservative Law and Justice (PiS) government's appointment of its own politicians to the court. Tusk described Berek as 'apolitical' and claimed he would help 'fix' the tribunal, which has been deemed illegitimate due to past appointments. Berek, who served in various roles under Tusk, including as a minister without portfolio, is not a member of any political party and has remained relatively low-profile. The move comes amid ongoing concerns over Poland's rule-of-law crisis, with the current government ignoring TK rulings due to the legitimacy issues surrounding its judges.
FedEx-led €7.8bn takeover of Polish delivery giant InPost wins EU approval
The European Commission has approved a €7.8 billion takeover of Polish logistics company InPost by a consortium led by American shipping giant FedEx. The deal involves FedEx, alongside existing investors Advent, A&R, and PPF, acquiring all of InPost's shares at €15.60 per share. InPost, which operates in multiple European countries, plans to maintain its brand identity, leadership, and Polish headquarters under the new ownership. The transaction faces pending approval from Vietnam's competition authority, though InPost anticipates a decision by early September. The acquisition aims to support InPost's continued expansion, particularly in areas like parcel locker networks, which have driven significant growth in the UK and other regions.
Twelve killed as Polish coach crashes in Hungary
A bus carrying 57 passengers and two drivers crashed on the M3 motorway in Hungary, resulting in twelve deaths and at least ten serious injuries. The crash occurred around 1 a.m. local time on the night of Saturday to Sunday. Initial investigations suggest the driver fell asleep at the wheel, causing the vehicle to veer off the road into a ditch. The victims were identified as Polish pilgrims returning from Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina to their hometowns in southeastern Poland. Both Polish and Hungarian political leaders have expressed condolences, with the Polish foreign ministry establishing a special helpline for affected families. The incident follows the recent celebration of the Assumption of Mary in Poland, including the unveiling of Europe’s tallest statue of Mary.
Europe’s biggest Virgin Mary statue – taller than Rio’s Christ the Redeemer – unveiled in Polish village
A towering 55.6-meter statue of the Virgin Mary has been unveiled in the small Polish village of Konotopie, becoming the tallest religious statue in Europe. The monument, constructed over 18 months and costing approximately €23.2 million, was funded entirely by a wealthy local couple, Roman and Grażyna Karkosik. The statue was inaugurated on August 15, coinciding with the Catholic celebration of the Assumption of Mary, and was blessed by Bishop Krzysztof Wętkowski. Former President Lech Wałęsa attended the event and shared photos online. The statue surpasses the height of Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer but remains shorter than the world’s tallest religious statue in the Philippines. It now holds the title of Europe’s tallest religious monument, overtaking a similar structure in France.
Polish opposition expels 40 lawmakers who formed breakaway caucus led by ex-PM Morawiecki
Poland's largest opposition party, Law and Justice (PiS), has expelled 40 of its lawmakers after they formed a breakaway parliamentary group led by former PM Mateusz Morawiecki. The split followed Morawiecki and his allies' refusal to resign from a political association they created or sign a loyalty pledge to PiS. The disciplinary court of PiS ruled that these lawmakers 'seriously violated the PiS statute' by leaving the party's parliamentary group and forming a new one called Development Plus (Rozwój Plus). Morawiecki confirmed that Development Plus will soon become an independent political party and stated he would not collaborate with Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Some of the expelled lawmakers, including former ministers, expressed disappointment, claiming they were pushed out for wanting to expand PiS's voter base.