I am an experienced multimedia journalist based in Brussels, Belgium.

I've been a journalist in print, radio and television for nearly 20 years, the last 8+ specialising in EU policy, legislation and current affairs. As well as an address book packed with insider sources and contacts in Brussels,...

Tweets of the Week: the boys go to Kyiv, Northern Ireland Protocol and Poland Recovery

17 Jun 2022  |  EURACTIV.com  |  English  |  Poland Recovery

Macron, Scholz, and Draghi traveled to Kyiv to meet Zelensky, focusing on Ukraine's war effort and EU candidacy. The UK's plan to override the Northern Ireland Protocol faces EU backlash, with potential freezing of the EU-UK trade deal. The European Commission relaunched infringement procedures against the UK. Ursula von der Leyen approved Poland's €35.4 billion recovery plan, coinciding with Poland's support for the OECD minimum tax deal, while Hungary resists. The Netherlands abstains from supporting Poland's recovery plan, highlighting EU internal conflicts.

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Poland Recovery War in Ukraine Northern Ireland Protocol

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I am journalist based in Warsaw, Poland.
Over 25 of experience in media. I wrote for newspapers (Gazeta Wyborcza, Rzeczpospolia), magazines (PRESS, SENS, Slużba Zdrowia, websites/ online media (OKO.press) and others. 
In last years mostly I write for OKO.press - polish well know online media team ...

Members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe want an audit of Ziobro's prosecution's political actions

08 Oct 2024  |  oko.press  |  Polish  |  Judicial System in Poland

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, with 26 members signing a declaration, calls for an audit of political actions by the Polish prosecution under Zbigniew Ziobro's leadership. The declaration highlights the need for transparency and rehabilitation of victims of political persecution during the PiS government. It emphasizes the ongoing monitoring of Poland's rule of law violations and the importance of addressing political influence in the judiciary. The article also discusses the broader issue of activist persecution in Europe and the lack of systemic protection for human rights defenders.

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Judicial System in Poland Political Persecution Human Rights

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Annabelle Chapman is a journalist based in Warsaw, Poland. She writes about Central and Eastern Europe for a range of international publications.

Donald Tusk, former EU president, declares victory in Poland election

16 Oct 2023  |  The Sydney Morning Herald  |  English  |  Poland Election

Poland's political opposition, led by Donald Tusk, declared victory in a pivotal election, suggesting a shift away from the ruling Law and Justice party's eight-year tenure. The exit poll indicates a coalition of younger, urban, and western Polish voters supporting the opposition, which could impact Polish democracy, European unity, and the West's stance against Russian aggression. The ruling party, despite claiming victory, faces challenges in forming a new government. The election saw high voter turnout and significant international attention, with implications for Poland's role in the EU and its response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

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Poland Election European Politics Democracy

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Magdalena Chodownik is an award-winning journalist based in Warsaw, Poland.

Germany should take responsibility for Poland's eastern border- Tusk

02 Jul 2024  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Poland-Germany Relations

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met in Warsaw to discuss security and Poland's eastern border, emphasizing Germany's role in European and Polish security. Scholz committed to co-responsibility for the border with Belarus and Russia, and pledged support for Polish victims of WWII. Tusk criticized European countries for insufficient joint security measures. Poland has increased its defense spending significantly, surpassing NATO's target. The meeting aimed to repair relations strained by Poland's previous right-wing government, which had demanded reparations from Germany for WWII damages.

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Poland-Germany Relations European Security

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Dominic Culverwell is a journalist based between Berlin and Kyiv. 
Politics, business, economics, banking, conflict, culture. 

Bylines- Financial Times, Radio Free Europe, EuroNews, bne IntelliNews, New Eastern Europe, EYESORE.

Polish Protests Block Ukraine Border Crossings Amid Rising Tensions

19 Nov 2023  |  The Kyiv Independent  |  English  |  Poland-Ukraine border blockade

Polish protests led by the Committee for the Defense of Carriers and Transport Employers (KOPIPT) are blocking major Poland-Ukraine border crossings, causing significant delays and tensions. The protestors demand a limit on Ukrainian drivers entering Poland, accusing them of undercutting local businesses. Ukrainian officials deny these claims. The EU had suspended transport permits as part of the Solidarity Lanes Initiative to aid Ukraine's exports after Russia's blockade of Black Sea ports. Protestors want the EU to reinstate permits. The Confederation of Liberty and Independence Party, with anti-Ukrainian stances, supports the protests. Polish companies face increased competition from Ukrainian haulers, and the blockade is affecting Ukraine's agricultural exports. The situation is complicated by Poland's political transition and the EU's stance on maintaining current agreements with Ukraine.

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Poland-Ukraine border blockade Transportation and logistics International trade and competition Political protests Diplomatic relations

I’m an experienced foreign correspondent, and work for some of the world’s leading English-language news publications. For a number of years I’ve covered Central Europe for the UK’s The Telegraph, and also write about the area and Eastern Europe for The Scotsman. In addition to this I write ...

Polish soldier stabbed to death by migrant on Belarus border

07 Jun 2024  |  The Telegraph  |  English  |  Poland-Belarus Relations

A Polish soldier, Mateusz, was fatally stabbed by a migrant while patrolling the Poland-Belarus border, highlighting rising tensions and security concerns in the region. The Polish government has accused Belarus and Russia of using migrants as tools in an asymmetric warfare campaign to destabilize Poland and the EU. In response, Poland has increased its military presence at the border and launched an information campaign to warn migrants against being misled by Belarusian and Russian authorities. The incident has sparked criticism of the Polish military's handling of border security, with President Andrzej Duda and other officials expressing concern over the treatment of soldiers involved in previous border incidents.

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Poland-Belarus Relations Border Security Migration Crisis

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Piotr Drabik - journalist with more than 10 years’ experience in media - in newspaper (“Dziennik Polski”), news television (TVN24), and radio (Radio ZET). Now he's working in RadioZET.pl, where I’m a part of the news team, and I'm a managing editor of a weekend online magazine. Moreover, from ...

"Two Scenarios". General explains the incident at the border with Ukraine

06 Oct 2023  |  wiadomosci.radiozet.pl  |  Polish  |  Poland-Ukraine Relations

An unidentified object entered Polish airspace, with the Polish Armed Forces unable to confirm its nature. General Jarosław Kraszewski discussed two scenarios: an accidental incursion similar to a previous incident or a deliberate missile strike from Belarus by Russia to undermine Western support for Ukraine. Investigations and ground searches are ongoing to locate the object, with the last signal detected southeast of Zamość. The incident highlights ongoing tensions and the strategic maneuvers in the region.

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Poland-Ukraine Relations Military Incident

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Adam Easton has been the BBC correspondent in Warsaw since 2003. Before that he was the BBC correspondent in Caracas during the turbulent early years of the Chavez administration. Before that he was the correspondent for the Guardian newspaper in Manila. He got his start in local newspapers and ...

Poland considers downing Russian missiles over Ukraine

12 Jul 2024  |  BBC News فارسی  |  English  |  Poland-Russia Relations

Poland is considering a proposal from Ukraine to intercept Russian missiles over Ukrainian airspace to prevent them from entering Polish territory. This idea, part of a joint defense agreement, is being explored due to the risk of missile debris harming Polish citizens. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski emphasized the need for NATO's consensus before any action, highlighting the United States' skepticism. The proposal is seen as risky without strong allied support, as it could provoke a Russian response. Poland has been a significant military supporter of Ukraine since Russia's invasion.

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Poland-Russia Relations War in Ukraine NATO

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Tim Gosling is a journalist, editor and analyst based in the Czech Republic. He covers politics, business, current affairs and football across Central & Eastern Europe. Regular bylines for Al Jazeera, Deutsche Welle, Foreign Policy, Politico, The Times. He provides political and economic analysis ...

Democracy Digest: Souring Poland-Ukraine Relations Leave Ambiguity on Arms Deliveries

22 Sept 2023  |  Balkan Insight  |  English  |  Poland-Ukraine Relations

Poland's Prime Minister clarified that while no new arms deliveries to Ukraine are planned, existing agreements will be honored, amidst speculation about the impact of a grain dispute. Agnieszka Holland's film on the Polish-Belarus border crisis faced government backlash. In Czechia, right-wing protests against government policies continue, while the state moves to nationalize the energy sector. Slovakia's police investigate corruption in Military Intelligence, and the acting PM warns of economic challenges. Hungary's parliament will consider Sweden's NATO accession amid political tensions, and a tourist town grapples with the influx of migrant workers.

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Poland-Ukraine Relations Arms Deliveries Migration Crisis Anti-Government Protests Energy Industry Nationalization Corruption in Military Intelligence NATO Accession Immigration

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Una Hajdari is an independent reporter largely focused on Central and Eastern Europe with experience in covering news on economic and political developments, as well as the far-right, nationalism and identity politics.

Could historical conflicts taint the strong Ukraine-Poland alliance?

07 Jul 2023  |  euronews  |  English  |  Far-right movements in Poland

The article discusses the impact of historical events, specifically the Volhynia massacre during World War II, on current Polish-Ukrainian relations. It highlights the actions of far-right groups in Poland who are using the 80th anniversary of the massacre to protest against the Polish government's support for Ukraine. These groups demand that Ukraine be held accountable for promoting 'Banderism and Nazism' and oppose Ukraine's potential membership in the EU and NATO. The article also touches on the Polish government's response, including a formal apology request from Ukraine and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki's visit to massacre sites. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's unannounced visit to Lutsk for a joint service with Polish President Andrzej Duda is mentioned as an attempt to show unity despite the tensions.

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Far-right movements in Poland Polish-Ukrainian relations Volhynia massacre Polish politics Ukrainian nationalism

James Jackson is a multimedia journalist based in Berlin, Germany. 

James is a self-starting media professional who is comfortable writing news, specialist reports dispatches, op-eds and features. A native English speaker, he is fluent in German and Spanish and covers Central Europe for outlets ...

The shoes and the death camp

15 Dec 2023  |  meduza.io  |  English  |  Poland's politics of memory

Grzegorz Kwiatkowski, a poet and musician, confronts Poland's complex and often contentious memory politics, particularly regarding the Holocaust and World War II. The article discusses the Law and Justice Party's controversial stance on historical memory, including legal actions against historians and demands for reparations from Germany. Kwiatkowski's personal and family history with the Stutthof concentration camp highlights the intimate and painful connections many Poles have with this period. The recent election victory of the Civic Platform-led coalition is seen as a positive shift away from nationalism. Kwiatkowski's efforts to preserve and honor historical sites, despite ongoing challenges, underscore his commitment to confronting and memorializing Poland's past.

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Poland's politics of memory Holocaust World War II reparations

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Michal Kranz is a journalist based in New York City.

Nato is holding back Poland’s self-defence

01 Sept 2024  |  unherd.com  |  English  |  Poland

Poland is advocating for a more proactive defense strategy against Russian projectiles, challenging Nato's cautious stance. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski argues for shooting down Russian missiles over Ukraine to protect Polish and Nato territory, a move rebuffed by Nato's Jens Stoltenberg. The article highlights a disconnect between Nato's leadership and its eastern members, emphasizing Poland's national security concerns. The debate extends to using Polish Patriot missile systems to create a no-fly zone over western Ukraine, a proposal supported by Ukraine's Dmytro Kuleba. Poland's rising influence within Nato may lead to a new security framework allowing frontline states more autonomy in defense.

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Poland Nato Ukraine Conflict

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I am a consultant and advisor working on a freelance basis. I authored eight books about North Korea. 

I comment on international affairs with an emphasis on North Korea.

The lasting legacy of North Korean orphans in Poland

01 Nov 2022  |  NK News - North Korea News  |  English  |  Poland-North Korea relations

The article discusses the historical event where thousands of North Korean orphans were sent to Europe during and after the Korean War. It focuses on the over 4,000 children who were taken in by Poland, highlighting the significant influence this had on the non-political relationships between North Korea and Poland. The piece indicates that these children were some of the first North Koreans to live abroad post-war and that archival documents provide evidence of interactions between the North Korean orphans and Polish citizens.

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Poland-North Korea relations Korean War North Korean orphans in Europe

Evan Maguire is a  student journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

EU Ramps Up Crackdown on Conservative Hungary and Poland

01 Oct 2023  |  spectator.org  |  English  |  Poland

The European Commission has decided to withhold COVID relief funds from Poland and Hungary, citing concerns over the rule of law. The EU's relationship with these countries has been strained due to their conservative stances and resistance to liberal international norms, particularly regarding LGBT rights. The article argues that the EU's actions are more about exerting power than addressing corruption, highlighting perceived double standards in the treatment of other member states. It suggests that continued EU pressure could lead to Poland and Hungary exiting the bloc, potentially aligning more closely with Russia. The piece calls for European conservatives to support the national autonomy of Poland and Hungary.

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Poland European Union Hungary COVID Relief Funds Rule of Law LGBT Rights

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Savin Mattozzi is a journalist based in Naples, Italy. He covers history, culture and politics in southern Italy and the Mediterranean region. His work has been featured in National Geographic, Al Jazeera, Euronews, Are We Europe and Hyphen among others.

Poland's Jewish community mobilises to help Ukrainian refugees

30 Mar 2023  |  euronews  |  English  |  Poland's Response

The article by Savin Mattozzi focuses on the response of Poland's Jewish community to the influx of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. Alina Sobczak, a pediatric emergency doctor in Krakow, immediately offered her home to host refugees when asked, eventually taking in 17 people. The article recounts Sobczak's family history of displacement and how it has influenced her willingness to help. Jonathan Ornstein, the executive director of the Jewish Community Center of Krakow, has also been proactive in assisting refugees by turning the center into a donation and information hub. The article touches on the Polish government's criticized response to refugees from non-European countries and the fear among Poles that they might also have to flee due to Russian threats. Sobczak's house remains open to refugees, but she harbors concerns about the future and the possibility of having to seek refuge herself.

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Poland's Response Ukraine War Refugee Crisis

Rafal Niedzielski is a journalist based in Warsaw, Poland.
I have worked as freelance videojournalist for Reuters, Associaed Press and other global news agencies. I'm reporter and editor for news departments at major Polish TV companies also cooperate with TV news departments outside Poland as a ...

The Prime Minister of Poland Visits Defensive Fortifications on the Border with Russia

30 Nov 2024  |  apnews.com  |  Spanish  |  Poland-Russia Relations

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk visited the border with Russia's Kaliningrad region to inspect military fortifications, emphasizing the importance of defense as Poland prepares to assume the EU presidency. The visit underscores Poland's commitment to strengthening European defenses amid concerns over Russian aggression and potential shifts in US policy under Donald Trump. Poland plans to spend 4.7% of its GDP on defense, positioning itself as a NATO leader. The strategic military project, estimated to cost 10 billion zlotys, aims to fortify Poland's eastern borders with Russia and Belarus.

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Poland-Russia Relations European Defense Military Fortifications

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Freelance journalist covering humanitarian crises, international justice, politics, human rights and underreported social issues in Africa and Easter Europe. 
Regular reporter & contributor to The Wall Street Journal. 

My work has also been featured in: BBC, Euronews, Al Jazeera English, The ...

Tusk’s Return to Polish Power Brings Echoes of Trump’s America

10 Jan 2024  |  BNN  |  English  |  Rule of Law in Poland

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk faces a significant challenge in restoring democracy and rule of law in Poland after his recent election victory. The previous government, led by the Law & Justice Party, had filled key institutions with its supporters, creating a deeply polarized political environment. Tusk's government aims to reverse these changes and unlock €60 billion of EU funds by aligning with EU standards. However, the opposition, led by Jaroslaw Kaczynski, is not conceding easily, leading to protests and a constitutional crisis. The situation is further complicated by President Andrzej Duda's actions, including protecting convicted lawmakers and opposing government measures. Despite the political turmoil, Polish markets have remained resilient, with the currency, stocks, and bonds performing well since the election. Tusk's administration is working to restore the independence of state institutions, but faces legal and political hurdles, including potential vetoes from President Duda on necessary legislative changes to access EU recovery funds.

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Rule of Law in Poland Polish Political Crisis EU-Poland Relations Polish Democracy

Sertan Sanderson is a seasoned journalist with a rich background in covering news and current affairs. Specialising in social change, migration, and cultural impacts, his work is characterised by a deep exploration of the intersection of politics and human rights. 

His reporting has taken him ...

Poland plans to temporarily suspend asylum 'within weeks'

16 Oct 2024  |  www.infomigrants.net  |  English  |  Poland-Belarus Border

Poland plans to temporarily suspend asylum applications at its border with Belarus, citing hybrid warfare tactics allegedly orchestrated by Belarus and Russia. The Polish government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, is drafting legislation to implement this suspension, despite EU rules mandating access to asylum procedures. The European Union and Germany have expressed concerns over the legality of Poland's move, emphasizing the need for a reformed EU asylum system. The situation at the Poland-Belarus border remains tense, with ongoing attempts by migrants to cross into the EU, exacerbated by Belarus's alleged strategy to push migrants towards the border.

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Poland-Belarus Border Migration Crisis EU Asylum Policy

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I'm an independent journalist, based in Amsterdam, with a keen interest in press freedom, human rights and podcasting. With experience in producing, reporting and presenting news for radio, television and online content using software like Avid Media Manager and Adobe Audition, I currently ...

Why is Poland no longer sending arms to Ukraine?

21 Sept 2023  |  www.dw.com  |  English  |  Poland-Ukraine Relations

Poland has announced it will no longer transfer new weapons to Ukraine, focusing instead on rebuilding its own military stocks. This decision follows a recent ban on Ukrainian grain imports, which has strained relations between the two countries. Despite this, Poland remains a key transit hub for Western military aid to Ukraine. The move is seen as influenced by Poland's upcoming general election, with the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party seeking to appeal to its voter base. Experts suggest that Poland can continue to support Ukraine while modernizing its own military.

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Poland-Ukraine Relations Military Aid Grain Import Ban

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David Strom is one of the leading experts on network and Internet technologies and has written and spoken extensively on topics such as VOIP, convergence, email, cloud computing, network management, Internet applications, wireless and Web services for more than 25 years.

Poland's Political Crisis and Media Bias: An Analysis

09 Jan 2024  |  hotair.com  |  English  |  Rule of Law in Poland

The article discusses a political dispute in Poland, focusing on the actions of the new Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, against the nationalist conservative Law and Justice Party (PiS). The police entered the presidential palace and detained two MPs, Michał Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik, who were under the protection of President Andrzej Duda. The article criticizes a Politico.eu story for being biased, suggesting it supports Tusk's actions without question. The author expresses skepticism about the narrative that Tusk's actions are in the interest of restoring the rule of law, pointing out that Tusk has seized control of media and is attempting to root out PiS loyalists. The article implies that the situation in Poland is more complex than a simple fight for democracy and suggests that the EU's support for Tusk may be politically motivated.

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Rule of Law in Poland Media Malfeasance Polish Political Crisis EU Democratic Standards

Emily Tamkin is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

Israel Threatens to Expand War Into Lebanon

28 Dec 2023  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  Media Control in Poland

Israel has warned it may expand its war efforts into Lebanon if Hezbollah's attacks persist, with Israeli Minister Benny Gantz indicating a diplomatic solution's time is running out. Cross-border attacks have escalated since October 8, following a Hamas attack on Israel. Lebanese casualties have been reported, and Israel has conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to turn Beirut and South Lebanon into areas resembling Gaza if Hezbollah declares war. Meanwhile, the war in Gaza continues, with Israel's ground campaign intensifying and concerns about the humanitarian situation growing. In other news, Poland's battle over state media control continues, with President Andrzej Duda vetoing the government's public media budget, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to discuss migration issues.

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Media Control in Poland War in Lebanon U.S.-Mexico Migration Talks

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I am currently working as a journalist for the belgian newspaper La Libre Belgique, for the International Section. Born in Bucharest in 1991, I have been living in Belgium since I was 10 years old. Experiencing two cultures has been an amazing opportunity, that sparked my interest in international ...

Poland gains influence but misses the opportunity to become a heavyweight in the European Union

15 Apr 2023  |  La Libre.be  |  French  |  Poland

Poland has gained significant influence in the European Union, particularly through its support for Ukraine and its strategic role in Western efforts against Russia. Despite its potential, Poland's rise is hindered by the ruling ultraconservative PiS party's euroscepticism and undermining of the rule of law, which has led to strained relations with the EU. The country's negotiation style and leadership are also criticized, affecting its ability to shape the EU agenda. Upcoming elections may determine Poland's future role in the EU.

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Poland European Union Ukraine Conflict

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Eszter Zalan is a Hungarian journalist working for Brussels-based news portal EUobserver specialising in European politics, focusing on populism and Brexit. Before immersing herself into the "EU bubble", Eszter reported on conflict and war zones from Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Egypt and other places ...

Top EU court rules Poland's court reforms 'infringe law'

05 Jun 2023  |  euobserver.com  |  English  |  Poland

The European Court of Justice ruled that Poland's 2019 judicial reform violated EU law, marking another legal setback for the Warsaw government. The reform, which included a disciplinary chamber for judges critical of the ruling nationalist Law and Justice party, faced mass protests and has now been legally challenged by the EU's top court.

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Poland Judicial Reform EU Law

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