Notes from Poland
@notesfrompoland.bsky.social
Independent and informed news and insight on Polish politics, culture, business and history.
Support us: https://notesfrompoland.com/donations/support-us/
Support us: https://notesfrompoland.com/donations/support-us/
Pinned
We are a small, non-profit newsroom bringing you free, high-quality news on Poland in English, for everyone.
No paywalls, no corporate funding, just impartial journalism that depends on readers like you.
If you value what we do, donate here: notesfrompoland.com/donations/su...
No paywalls, no corporate funding, just impartial journalism that depends on readers like you.
If you value what we do, donate here: notesfrompoland.com/donations/su...
A 19-year-old man has admitted to making a criminal threat against the president by posting a photo of a gun (taken from elsewhere on the internet) on X on Friday with a message directed at Karol Nawrocki saying "see you soon".
He was detained by police on Saturday and today pleaded guilty.
He was detained by police on Saturday and today pleaded guilty.
Groził bronią Nawrockiemu. 19-latek przyznał się do winy. Przesłuchają... prezydenta
19-latek podejrzany o grożenie bronią Karolowi Nawrockiemu przyznał się do winy, podając obszerne wyjaśnienia wobec zarzutów prokuratury. Czynności procesowe zakończyły się z nastolatkiem w niedzie...
www.fakt.pl
November 16, 2025 at 8:55 PM
A 19-year-old man has admitted to making a criminal threat against the president by posting a photo of a gun (taken from elsewhere on the internet) on X on Friday with a message directed at Karol Nawrocki saying "see you soon".
He was detained by police on Saturday and today pleaded guilty.
He was detained by police on Saturday and today pleaded guilty.
An auction of Holocaust items in Germany has been cancelled following international criticism and intervention by the Polish government.
Poland says it will now "unequivocally demand the return of objects" that are found to be part of the country’s historical heritage.
Poland says it will now "unequivocally demand the return of objects" that are found to be part of the country’s historical heritage.
Auction of Holocaust items in Germany cancelled after intervention by Poland
notesfrompoland.com
November 16, 2025 at 5:33 PM
An auction of Holocaust items in Germany has been cancelled following international criticism and intervention by the Polish government.
Poland says it will now "unequivocally demand the return of objects" that are found to be part of the country’s historical heritage.
Poland says it will now "unequivocally demand the return of objects" that are found to be part of the country’s historical heritage.
The German ambassador to Poland has told a member of the Polish opposition that their demands for Germany to pay war reparations “create divisions that help only Putin”.
His comments sparked widespread criticism, including from the head of President Nawrocki's foreign-policy office.
His comments sparked widespread criticism, including from the head of President Nawrocki's foreign-policy office.
German ambassador says Polish opposition "helping Putin" with WWII reparations claims
notesfrompoland.com
November 16, 2025 at 3:17 PM
The German ambassador to Poland has told a member of the Polish opposition that their demands for Germany to pay war reparations “create divisions that help only Putin”.
His comments sparked widespread criticism, including from the head of President Nawrocki's foreign-policy office.
His comments sparked widespread criticism, including from the head of President Nawrocki's foreign-policy office.
Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has announced that the centre-right PSL party he leads will stand on its own at the next elections rather than jointly with any of its ruling coalition partners.
In 2023, PSL ran alongside the centrist Poland 2050 in an alliance called Third Way.
In 2023, PSL ran alongside the centrist Poland 2050 in an alliance called Third Way.
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz zapowiada samodzielny start PSL w wyborach. "Będziemy sobą"
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz zapowiedział, że w kolejnych wyborach parlamentarnych Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe wystartuje samodzielnie. — Już dzisiaj rozpoczyna się festiwal, który będzie mówił "inaczej j...
www.onet.pl
November 15, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has announced that the centre-right PSL party he leads will stand on its own at the next elections rather than jointly with any of its ruling coalition partners.
In 2023, PSL ran alongside the centrist Poland 2050 in an alliance called Third Way.
In 2023, PSL ran alongside the centrist Poland 2050 in an alliance called Third Way.
Only 30% of pupils have been signed up by their parents for the new health education classes introduced this year by the government.
The subject, initially intended to be compulsory, was made optional after criticism from conservatives regarding elements relating to sex education and gender.
The subject, initially intended to be compulsory, was made optional after criticism from conservatives regarding elements relating to sex education and gender.
Less than third of Polish schoolchildren join new health classes after conservative backlash
notesfrompoland.com
November 15, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Only 30% of pupils have been signed up by their parents for the new health education classes introduced this year by the government.
The subject, initially intended to be compulsory, was made optional after criticism from conservatives regarding elements relating to sex education and gender.
The subject, initially intended to be compulsory, was made optional after criticism from conservatives regarding elements relating to sex education and gender.
Norwegian state TV has apologised for describing this week’s Independence March in Warsaw as “Nazi”.
Norwegian state TV apologises for calling Polish Independence March "Nazi"
notesfrompoland.com
November 15, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Norwegian state TV has apologised for describing this week’s Independence March in Warsaw as “Nazi”.
President Nawrocki has submitted a request to the constitutional court for the Communist Party of Poland to be outlawed.
"There is no place in the Polish legal order for a party that glorifies criminals and regimes responsible for the deaths of millions."
"There is no place in the Polish legal order for a party that glorifies criminals and regimes responsible for the deaths of millions."
Polish president seeks to have Communist Party of Poland outlawed
notesfrompoland.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:53 PM
President Nawrocki has submitted a request to the constitutional court for the Communist Party of Poland to be outlawed.
"There is no place in the Polish legal order for a party that glorifies criminals and regimes responsible for the deaths of millions."
"There is no place in the Polish legal order for a party that glorifies criminals and regimes responsible for the deaths of millions."
State research agency CBOS has found its highest-ever level of support in Poland for the introduction of same-sex civil partnerships.
Over 62% are now in favour, up from 52% last year and just 25% in 2011, when the question was first asked.
Over 62% are now in favour, up from 52% last year and just 25% in 2011, when the question was first asked.
Polish state polling agency finds record support for same-sex partnerships
notesfrompoland.com
November 14, 2025 at 11:36 AM
State research agency CBOS has found its highest-ever level of support in Poland for the introduction of same-sex civil partnerships.
Over 62% are now in favour, up from 52% last year and just 25% in 2011, when the question was first asked.
Over 62% are now in favour, up from 52% last year and just 25% in 2011, when the question was first asked.
The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by the far-right Confederation against the electoral commission's decision to reject its financial report for last year's European elections due to irregularities.
The decision means the group will now lose access to millions of zloty of state subsidies.
The decision means the group will now lose access to millions of zloty of state subsidies.
Pieniądze dla Konfederacji. Sąd Najwyższy odrzucił skargę
Sąd Najwyższy oddalił skargę Konfederacji na decyzję PKW, co oznacza, iż partia utraci subwencję z budżetu. Jak deklaruje szef jej sejmowego klubu Grzegorz Płaczek, niezależnie od decyzji sądu Konfede...
www.polsatnews.pl
November 14, 2025 at 10:09 AM
The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by the far-right Confederation against the electoral commission's decision to reject its financial report for last year's European elections due to irregularities.
The decision means the group will now lose access to millions of zloty of state subsidies.
The decision means the group will now lose access to millions of zloty of state subsidies.
Mark Ruffalo has been announced as the lead actor in an upcoming film thriller about the path to sainthood of Polish Pope John Paul II.
He will play the role of a priest assigned to be "devil's advocate" in assessing the former pontiff's life.
He will play the role of a priest assigned to be "devil's advocate" in assessing the former pontiff's life.
Mark Ruffalo to star in thriller about Polish Pope John Paul II’s road to sainthood
notesfrompoland.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:55 AM
Mark Ruffalo has been announced as the lead actor in an upcoming film thriller about the path to sainthood of Polish Pope John Paul II.
He will play the role of a priest assigned to be "devil's advocate" in assessing the former pontiff's life.
He will play the role of a priest assigned to be "devil's advocate" in assessing the former pontiff's life.
The speaker of the Sejm, Szymon Hołownia, has stepped down, as was agreed under the coalition agreement that brought the government to power two years ago.
His replacement will be chosen next week, but is likely to be Włodzimierz Czarzasty of The Left.
His replacement will be chosen next week, but is likely to be Włodzimierz Czarzasty of The Left.
Hołownia podpisał rezygnację. Czarzasty będzie nowym marszałkiem Sejmu
Szymon Hołownia podkreślił, że jego podstawowym zadaniem, z którego starał się wywiązać jako marszałek Sejmu, było zapewnienie stabilności państwu. Zapewnił, że chce przekazać obowiązki swojemu następ...
www.bankier.pl
November 13, 2025 at 8:14 PM
The speaker of the Sejm, Szymon Hołownia, has stepped down, as was agreed under the coalition agreement that brought the government to power two years ago.
His replacement will be chosen next week, but is likely to be Włodzimierz Czarzasty of The Left.
His replacement will be chosen next week, but is likely to be Włodzimierz Czarzasty of The Left.
A planned standard-gauge railway connecting Ukraine and Poland has received EU funding.
Ukraine has a different track gauge to most of Europe, which currently means time-consuming train changes at the border.
The new line will avoid that problem.
Ukraine has a different track gauge to most of Europe, which currently means time-consuming train changes at the border.
The new line will avoid that problem.
EU to fund new standard-gauge rail line linking Ukraine and Poland
notesfrompoland.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:04 PM
A planned standard-gauge railway connecting Ukraine and Poland has received EU funding.
Ukraine has a different track gauge to most of Europe, which currently means time-consuming train changes at the border.
The new line will avoid that problem.
Ukraine has a different track gauge to most of Europe, which currently means time-consuming train changes at the border.
The new line will avoid that problem.
Polish far-right leader Grzegorz Braun has again been stripped of immunity by the European Parliament to face charges in Poland, including for inciting hatred against Jews and an incident in which he confronted a doctor involved in a late-term abortion.
Polish far-right leader Braun again stripped of legal immunity by European Parliament
notesfrompoland.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Polish far-right leader Grzegorz Braun has again been stripped of immunity by the European Parliament to face charges in Poland, including for inciting hatred against Jews and an incident in which he confronted a doctor involved in a late-term abortion.
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Poland violated the rights of a pregnant woman who had to travel abroad to obtain an abortion after her foetus was diagnosed with a birth defect.
European court rules Poland violated rights of woman who traveled abroad for abortion
notesfrompoland.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:00 PM
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Poland violated the rights of a pregnant woman who had to travel abroad to obtain an abortion after her foetus was diagnosed with a birth defect.
We are a small, non-profit newsroom bringing you free, high-quality news on Poland in English, for everyone.
No paywalls, no corporate funding, just impartial journalism that depends on readers like you.
If you value what we do, donate here: notesfrompoland.com/donations/su...
No paywalls, no corporate funding, just impartial journalism that depends on readers like you.
If you value what we do, donate here: notesfrompoland.com/donations/su...
November 13, 2025 at 11:05 AM
We are a small, non-profit newsroom bringing you free, high-quality news on Poland in English, for everyone.
No paywalls, no corporate funding, just impartial journalism that depends on readers like you.
If you value what we do, donate here: notesfrompoland.com/donations/su...
No paywalls, no corporate funding, just impartial journalism that depends on readers like you.
If you value what we do, donate here: notesfrompoland.com/donations/su...
State rail operator PKP Intercity has signed the biggest contract for rolling stock in Polish history, ordering 42 double-decker trains – the first of their kind in Poland – for 6.9 billion zloty.
Manufacture will take place in the Polish city of Chorzów.
Manufacture will take place in the Polish city of Chorzów.
Poland signs largest ever rail deal to buy 42 double-decker trains
notesfrompoland.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:51 AM
State rail operator PKP Intercity has signed the biggest contract for rolling stock in Polish history, ordering 42 double-decker trains – the first of their kind in Poland – for 6.9 billion zloty.
Manufacture will take place in the Polish city of Chorzów.
Manufacture will take place in the Polish city of Chorzów.
Former justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro says he will only return to Poland to face the criminal charges against him “when the rule of law is restored”.
In the meantime, he has offered to be interviewed by prosecutors in Budapest, where he is currently, or Brussels, where he has recently been living
In the meantime, he has offered to be interviewed by prosecutors in Budapest, where he is currently, or Brussels, where he has recently been living
Ex-justice minister Ziobro says he will return to Poland to face charges "when rule of law is restored"
notesfrompoland.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Former justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro says he will only return to Poland to face the criminal charges against him “when the rule of law is restored”.
In the meantime, he has offered to be interviewed by prosecutors in Budapest, where he is currently, or Brussels, where he has recently been living
In the meantime, he has offered to be interviewed by prosecutors in Budapest, where he is currently, or Brussels, where he has recently been living
Prosecutors have charged opposition politician Daniel Obajtek with alleged crimes relating to his time leading state energy giant Orlen under the former PiS government.
He is accused of using almost 400,000 zloty of the firm's money for his own private interests.
He is accused of using almost 400,000 zloty of the firm's money for his own private interests.
Zarzuty dla Daniela Obajtka. Jest komunikat prokuratury
"12 listopada 2025 r., Prokuratura Regionalna w Warszawie ogłosiła Danielowi Obajtkowi – byłemu Prezesowi Zarządu Orlen S.A. – zarzut wyrządzenia spółce Orlen S.A. szkody majątkowej w łącznej kwocie 3...
wiadomosci.wp.pl
November 12, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Prosecutors have charged opposition politician Daniel Obajtek with alleged crimes relating to his time leading state energy giant Orlen under the former PiS government.
He is accused of using almost 400,000 zloty of the firm's money for his own private interests.
He is accused of using almost 400,000 zloty of the firm's money for his own private interests.
The co-leader of the far-right AfD, Germany's largest opposition party, has suggested that Poland is as much of a threat to his country as Russia is.
Leader of far-right AfD suggests Poland as great a threat to Germany as Russia
Notes from Poland is run by a small editorial team and is published by an independent, non-profit foundation that is funded through donations from our readers. We cannot do what we do without your support.
notesfrompoland.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:50 PM
The co-leader of the far-right AfD, Germany's largest opposition party, has suggested that Poland is as much of a threat to his country as Russia is.
In a further escalation of Poland's rule-of-law crisis, opposition-aligned President Karol Nawrocki has refused to sign off on the nomination of 46 judges who he says are supportive of the unconstitutional actions of the government.
Polish president refuses to appoint 46 judges in escalation of rule-of-law dispute with government
notesfrompoland.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:55 PM
In a further escalation of Poland's rule-of-law crisis, opposition-aligned President Karol Nawrocki has refused to sign off on the nomination of 46 judges who he says are supportive of the unconstitutional actions of the government.
A Polish museum has invited Robert De Niro to view their portrait of a local 17th-century nobleman who many have noted looks remarkably similar to the Hollywood star, right down to the moles on their cheeks.
Polish museum invites Robert De Niro to view portrait of lookalike 17th-century "ancestor"
notesfrompoland.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:38 PM
A Polish museum has invited Robert De Niro to view their portrait of a local 17th-century nobleman who many have noted looks remarkably similar to the Hollywood star, right down to the moles on their cheeks.
The European Commission has named Poland among the member states to be fully or partially exempt from receiving quotas of relocated migrants under the EU's new migration pact.
It says Poland already faces a “significant migratory situation”.
It says Poland already faces a “significant migratory situation”.
EU includes Poland among countries to be exempted from migrant relocation
notesfrompoland.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:28 AM
The European Commission has named Poland among the member states to be fully or partially exempt from receiving quotas of relocated migrants under the EU's new migration pact.
It says Poland already faces a “significant migratory situation”.
It says Poland already faces a “significant migratory situation”.
The annual Independence March organised by nationalist groups has passed peacefully through Warsaw.
Among the estimated 150,000 participants was recently elected right-wing President Karol Nawrocki.
Members of the more liberal government, however, stayed away.
Among the estimated 150,000 participants was recently elected right-wing President Karol Nawrocki.
Members of the more liberal government, however, stayed away.
Large right-wing Independence March passes through Warsaw
notesfrompoland.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:51 PM
The annual Independence March organised by nationalist groups has passed peacefully through Warsaw.
Among the estimated 150,000 participants was recently elected right-wing President Karol Nawrocki.
Members of the more liberal government, however, stayed away.
Among the estimated 150,000 participants was recently elected right-wing President Karol Nawrocki.
Members of the more liberal government, however, stayed away.
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.