📰 Notes from Poland · 38
PolandPoland rises to highest-ever level in EU household wealth index, passing four member states
Poland has achieved its highest-ever ranking in the EU household wealth index, surpassing four other member states according to new data from Eurostat. The measure used is actual individual consumption (AIC), which accounts for the value of goods and services consumed by households, including government-provided services like healthcare and education. In 2025, Poland reached 88% of the EU average in AIC per capita adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), up from 85% in 2024.
What will Poland’s recognition of foreign same-sex marriages mean in practice? Five expert views
Poland's government has introduced a regulation allowing registry offices to recognize same-sex marriages conducted abroad, following a ruling by the European Court of Justice and the Polish Supreme Administrative Court. This development marks a significant shift in a country where same-sex unions are not recognized under domestic law.
Poland to equip 12,000 schools with AI labs
Poland's government has announced plans to invest nearly 1.9 billion zloty (€437 million) to equip approximately 12,000 primary and secondary schools with AI labs ahead of the upcoming school year. The initiative is part of a broader program exceeding 5 billion zloty aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure and skills in schools. Education Minister Barbara Nowacka described this as the largest investment in digital education in Poland's history, stating it will 'transform learning.' Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the importance of teaching students to responsibly use AI and urged them,
What are the local locomotives of the well-being of local governments: wealthy residents or companies?
The article discusses the economic development strategies of local governments in Poland, focusing on whether they should prioritize wealthy residents or large investors. It references data from the Central Statistical Office (GUS) showing differences between the median income of residents and wages paid by local companies. The article highlights how these disparities reflect varying labor market conditions and the financial health of local communities. Janusz Szewczuk, an advisor to the Polish Association of Cities, emphasizes the importance of both population size and the number of jobs in a
Poland detains suspect in murder of Russian dissident, saying evidence points to “political assassination”
Polish authorities have arrested a man suspected of murdering Russian dissident Semyon Skrepetsky, who was killed near his home in Poland. The suspect is reportedly using a Georgian passport. Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the murder appears to be a 'political assassination' and warned that if Russia was involved, it would constitute 'state terrorism'.
Polish and German defence ministers sign defence cooperation agreement
Ministers of defense from Poland and Germany signed a new defense cooperation agreement during a meeting held at the Polish Ministry of National Defense in Warsaw. The agreement replaces an existing framework agreement from 2011 and aims to systematize current operational cooperation while considering the current security situation in Central and Eastern Europe. It will complement defense mechanisms within NATO and the European Union. The agreement includes new areas of collaboration such as cybersecurity, space activities, military mobility, infrastructure development, and joint command and责任
Germany returns artefacts looted in WWII to Poland
Germany has returned historical artefacts looted during its occupation of Poland in World War II. These items include a 14th-century manuscript containing a medieval Polish hymn and a ring belonging to 16th-century Polish King Sigismund I. The return coincided with the 35th anniversary of the Treaty of Good Neighbourship and Friendly Cooperation between Poland and Germany. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski praised the event as a positive development for bilateral relations.
Polish government approves windfall tax on fuel firms’ excess profits
Poland's government has approved a one-time tax on excess profits made by fuel companies due to rising energy prices linked to the war in Iran. The tax applies to profits from March to December 2026 and targets companies like Orlen. The measure requires parliamentary approval and the president's signature. Excess profits are defined as revenue from liquid fuel sales exceeding a calculated threshold based on 2025 margins plus 20%, with a 60% tax rate applied.
German police break up Polish nationalist procession to WWII memorial site
German police interrupted a procession led by Polish nationalist Robert Bąkiewicz and his followers, who were trying to transport a large cross to a memorial site for Polish victims of Nazi Germany. The event was unauthorized according to German authorities, while Bąkiewicz's supporters, including members of Poland's opposition PiS party, criticized the police actions as brutal.
Poland confirms identity of murdered Russian dissident and detains two suspects
Polish prosecutors have identified the man shot dead in Biała Podlaska as Semyon Skrepetsky, a Russian dissident known for satirizing Russian President Vladimir Putin. Two Belarusians were detained in connection with the murder. The victim, whose real name was Robert Kuzovkov, had fled Russia in 2021 due to fears of political persecution. He recently protested outside the Russian embassy in Berlin.
Poland launches legal bid to reclaim Russian consulate as Moscow threatens “painful” consequences
Poland has initiated legal proceedings to reclaim the former Russian consulate in Gdańsk, which Russia refuses to vacate despite being ordered to close it last year. In response, Russia has threatened 'painful retaliatory measures' if Poland proceeds with the legal action. The General Counsel to the Republic of Poland confirmed the filing of the lawsuit and noted that the building remains occupied by a single Russian staff member.
Russian man shot dead in Poland reportedly a Putin critic
A Russian man, believed to be an artist who criticized Vladimir Putin, was shot dead in Biała Podlaska, Poland. The Polish authorities have not yet officially identified the victim, any suspects, or a motive for the killing. Social media posts suggest the victim was Semyon Skrepetsky, a satirist known for criticizing Putin and other Russian figures.
Video captures wolves attacking bison in Poland for first time
A newly released video shows for the first time a pack of wolves attacking a herd of bison in Poland. The footage, captured by a camera trap, depicts seven wolves targeting a group of 11 bison, with a focus on a newborn calf. Although the wolves initially succeed in biting the calf, they are driven off twice by adult bison. The video, taken in September of last year, has been published as part of an academic article in the journal Ecology and Evolution by researchers from the Mammal Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
Eleventh-century sword found in Polish river
A well-preserved 1,000-year-old sword was discovered in a river in western Poland. Local resident Mirosław Tucholski found the artifact and handed it over to the Museum of the Wronki Region. Archaeologist Ryszard Pietrzak confirmed the sword dates back to the 11th century, during the rule of the House of Piast, Poland's first ruling dynasty. The sword will undergo further examination and preservation at the Nicolaus Copernicus Museum in Toruń.
32 fruits buried on the property, want to charge the pathologist with two counts
Authorities are investigating the discovery of 32 human fetuses buried on a property in Lutoryż, near Rzeszów. Prosecutors are preparing to charge the detained patomorphologist with two counts. The property, approximately 500 square meters in size, has also yielded medical waste, including microscopic slides and destroyed medical documentation. Investigators are using georadar and a trained police dog to search the area. The examination of the remains will determine the age of the fetuses and how long they were buried. Prosecutors have not ruled out the possibility of more findings.
Polish far-right figures celebrate Russia Day at Russian embassy
Two individuals linked to Polish far-right politician Grzegorz Braun attended a Russia Day event at the Russian embassy in Warsaw. They delivered a statement on behalf of Braun's party, the Confederation of the Polish Crown (KKP), praising Russia's 'path of development' and criticizing the West and 'globalist forces' for the war in Ukraine. The event was hosted by Russian Ambassador Georgy Mikhno.
Poland records biggest rise in Global Peace Index
Poland has seen the largest improvement in the Global Peace Index (GPI) among 163 countries, rising from 45th to 22nd place. This improvement is attributed to better relations with neighboring countries, increased domestic safety, reduced violence during demonstrations, and decreased political repression. The report notes that Poland's military buildup is influenced by the threat posed by Russia and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Poland’s public debt passes EU’s 60% of GDP limit for first time
Poland's public debt has exceeded the EU's 60% of GDP threshold for the first time, reaching 61.6% of GDP in Q1 2026 according to finance ministry data. This surpasses both the EU's 3% deficit limit and the 60% debt ceiling, triggering the EU's excessive deficit procedure. Poland's budget deficit increased to 7.3% of GDP in 2025, the second-highest in the EU. The country's constitution also sets a 60% debt limit but uses a different calculation method.
Nawrocki issues record 37th veto – more than any other president in Polish history
President Karol Nawrocki has issued 37 vetoes in just under a year, surpassing the previous record held by Aleksander Kwaśniewski, who issued 35 vetoes over ten years. Nawrocki, aligned with the right-wing opposition, recently vetoed three new bills related to cryptocurrency regulation, citing concerns that the government's proposals were overly restrictive.
Polish parliament approves bill banning streaming of illegal, abusive and degrading acts
Poland's parliament has passed a bill aimed at banning online content that depicts illegal, abusive, or degrading behavior, particularly focusing on 'patostreaming' — livestreams involving extreme or harmful conduct. The measure received nearly unanimous support, with only the far-right opposition voting against it, citing concerns about censorship.
German parliament debates relations with “equal partner” Poland
Germany's federal parliament, the Bundestag, debated Polish-German relations to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Treaty of Good Neighbourship and Friendly Cooperation. Politicians from various parties praised Poland's development and noted its status as an equal partner in the EU and NATO. The discussion highlighted Poland's transformation into a 'modern, well-organised, self-confident and strong country.'
Polish sports drinks firm Oshee expands partnership with Spanish football league
Polish sports drink company Oshee has extended its partnership with La Liga, the top Spanish football league, to include promotion in Spain. The company, based in Kraków and founded in 2008, previously partnered with La Liga focusing on the Polish market, featuring Spanish players like Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé on its products. Oshee plans to begin selling its products in Spain as part of this expansion.
Polish soldier killed on the border, Mateusz Sitka's killer hiding in Belarus
A Polish soldier, Sergeant Mateusz Sitka, was killed by a knife attack near the border with Belarus. The suspect, a citizen of a North African country, is currently hiding in Belarus. Due to lack of cooperation from Minsk, the Polish prosecution has suspended the investigation into the case. The investigation, which has been ongoing for nearly a year, was conducted under strict supervision by the Warsaw District Prosecutor's Office, with over 140 witnesses interrogated both within Poland and abroad. The identity of the attacker has been established.
Number of foreign workers in Poland rises 7.2% to 1.14 million
The number of foreign workers in Poland increased by 7.2% in 2025, reaching 1.14 million, according to data from Statistics Poland (GUS). Ukrainians constitute the majority of foreign workers at 67.6%, followed by significant growth in the numbers of Colombian and Indian workers. The rise in immigration reflects a shift from historical patterns of Polish emigration to a period of large-scale immigration, particularly since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Poland seizes over a tonne of heroin in major port bust
Polish authorities have seized approximately 1,030 kilograms of heroin valued at around €52 million during a major drug bust at the port of Gdynia. The operation, conducted in collaboration with the UK's HM Revenue and Customs, resulted in the arrest of three Polish nationals, with two placed in pretrial detention. The seizure was revealed following ongoing legal proceedings.
Russia waging “full-scale cognitive war against us”, warns Poland’s foreign minister
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski warned that Russia is conducting a 'full-scale cognitive war' against Poland and the West, using disinformation and other tactics to undermine democratic values and sow division. The warning was made during a parliamentary conference focused on countering foreign influence.
End to tradition of free ice cream for top pupils in Polish town sparks political controversy
An intervention by Poland’s commissioner for children’s rights, Monika Horna-Cieślak, ending a local tradition of giving free ice cream to top-performing students in Pszczyna has sparked widespread political controversy. The tradition, which lasted 25 years, involved awarding free ice cream to students with a 'red stripe' on their report cards—indicating high academic achievement. The commissioner argued that such rewards might create undue pressure on children and exclude those facing disadvantages. Critics argue the move undermines a positive local initiative and sends a negative signal on表彰
Poland formally requests new permanent US military base
The Polish government has formally requested the establishment of a new permanent US military base in Poland. This request follows President Donald Trump's pledge to deploy 5,000 additional American troops to the country. Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced the proposal via social media and emphasized the importance of US involvement in Poland's security.
Ukraine seeks dialogue with Poland over naming of military unit after group responsible for massacres
Ukraine's foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, has called for dialogue with Poland regarding President Volodymr Zelensky's decision to rename a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a WWII group known for fighting for Ukrainian independence but also for massacring Polish civilians. The move sparked outrage in Poland, prompting President Karol Nawrocki to begin revoking Zelensky's highest honor. Sybiha emphasized that the renaming was done by the Ukrainian military and denied any anti-Polish intent.
Polish government approves primary school phone ban and stronger porn age checks
Poland's government has approved a set of proposals aimed at protecting children from digital risks, including banning mobile phone usage in primary schools and implementing stricter age verification for accessing online pornography. The policies now need parliamentary and presidential approval before becoming law.
Macron thanks Poland’s InPost for new €500m investment in France
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed gratitude to Polish logistics company InPost for its recent €500 million investment in France, which will increase its total investment in the country to €1.4 billion. InPost, known for pioneering parcel delivery lockers in Europe, plans to strengthen its position as the largest Polish investor in France. The company currently operates over 9,000 parcel lockers in France through its subsidiary Mondial Relay.
Poland celebrates 15,000 IVF births since restoring state funding two years ago
Poland has celebrated over 15,000 births resulting from in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments since the government resumed state funding for the program two years ago. The previous administration, led by the national-conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, had cut funding for IVF. Prime Minister Donald Tusk highlighted this achievement during an event marking the second anniversary of the policy change, which coincided with Children’s Day in Poland. Tusk emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to increase birth rates in the country, which faces a demographic crisis.
What are the prospects for Poland’s ruling coalition?
Poland's ruling coalition, led by Donald Tusk's Civic Coalition (KO), is expected to remain in power until the 2027 parliamentary elections despite challenges such as presidential vetoes and internal disagreements. The coalition includes several centrist and leftist parties. The outcome of the next election will depend on whether voters focus on the government's domestic performance or national security issues. The unexpected victory of PiS-backed candidate Karol Nawrocki in the 2025 presidential election has complicated efforts to consolidate power.
Poland’s 666 bus to Hel returns in new form
Travelers can once again take the 666 bus to Hel, a coastal town in northern Poland, after private transport operator Flixbus launched a new service using that route number. The previous 666 bus operated by a municipal transport company was discontinued three years ago due to complaints about its association with 'Satanism.' Flixbus has revived the route, which connects cities including Krakow, Warsaw, and Gdansk.
Built 140 years ago and still in use, Warsaw’s sewers connect the city to its brutal past
Warsaw's sewer system, built 140 years ago by British engineers, has historical significance due to its role during World War II. It was used by resistance fighters during the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and the Warsaw Uprising. The system was constructed in response to a severe sanitary crisis in the late 19th century.
Polish parliament approves rights for same-sex couples but president pledges veto
Poland's parliament has passed a bill allowing same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples to formalize their relationships through a legal agreement, marking a historic step in the country. However, President Karol Nawrocki, who aligns with the right-wing opposition, has stated he will veto the legislation once it reaches him.
Poland moves to strip Zelensky of honour for naming military unit after group that massacred Poles
Polish President Karol Nawrocki has proposed stripping Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest honor, following Zelensky's decision to name a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which was responsible for massacring ethnic Poles during World War II. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has urged restraint, arguing that tensions between Poland and Ukraine would only benefit Russia.
Poland signs first defence contracts under EU’s SAFE programme
Poland has signed its first defense contracts under the EU's SAFE program, allocating €43.7 billion (185 billion zloty) in loans for defense and security spending. The defense ministry has agreed on various products including cybersecurity systems, drones, and helmets. The government aims to sign dozens of contracts totaling around 100 billion zloty by the deadline. Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Prime Minister Donald Tusk highlighted the significance of this funding for modernizing the Polish military.