Liam Nolan

Eastern Europe Reporter

80 years on: Warsaw commemorates the Ghetto Uprising

Poland is today marking 80 years since the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, when hundreds of Jews launched a doomed attack against the Nazis

Poland • 19 Apr 23

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaking at Warsaw's Royal Castle

Zelensky thanks Poles for support during Warsaw visit

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Warsaw today in what was seen as a recognition of Poland's support for Ukraine since the start of Russia's invasion.

Europe • 05 Apr 23

Finland has moved a step closer to joining NATO but the Swedish bid is still in limbo

Hungary approves Finland's NATO bid. What about Sweden?

Hungary's parliament has voted to ratify Finland's bid to join NATO - 182 votes in favour and six against. It moves Finland one step closer to joining the military alliance, pending ratification by Turkey.

Europe • 28 Mar 23

Refugees from Ukraine at a refugee registration centre in Berlin, December 2022

Central Europe grapples with refugee accommodation

"Our living conditions are good. There is heating, electricity, household appliances. The social service helps with paperwork," Natalia Shmatkova, a Ukrainian refugee who arrived in Germany four weeks ago, told RTÉ News.

Ukraine • 26 Mar 23

In Ireland, 91% of Ukrainian children aged 5 to 18 – almost 15,000 students – are enrolled in the Irish school system

O'Brien: Govt would not ask refugees to pay for housing

Asking Ukrainian refugees to pay for part of their accommodation costs is not something that the Irish Government would consider, Minister of State Joe O'Brien has said.

Politics • 18 Mar 23

'He's dancing all the time' - Maksym Ryzhankov and his mother, Larysa Ryzhankova

Success for Ukrainian boy living Irish dancing dream

Ten-year-old Maksym Ryzhankov started Irish dancing classes in Kyiv when he was six. Then, on 22 February 2022, two days before Russia invaded Ukraine, he and his parents left their home city for Warsaw.

Europe • 17 Mar 23

Magdalena Filiks, an MP for opposition party Civic Platform, announced the death of her son, Mikolaj, last week

Polish state media criticised after suicide of MP's son

This week, Mikolaj Filiks, the son of a Polish opposition MP, would have celebrated his 16th birthday. Instead, his family and friends mourned his death at his funeral.

Analysis and Comment • 11 Mar 23

The documentary has received widespread coverage in Poland, with some publications calling for a reassessment of Pope John Paul II's legacy

Documentary examines John Paul II's handling of abuse

A new documentary, broadcast on Monday in Poland, examines John Paul II's handling of allegations of sexual abuse against three priests during his time as Archbishop of Krakow.

World • 08 Mar 23

Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has led a coalition government since 2021.

Will Estonia's PM Kaja Kallas win re-election?

Estonians go to the polls on 5 March to vote in their country's parliamentary election after a campaign dominated by the cost-of-living crisis and Russia's war in Ukraine.

Europe • 05 Mar 23

Viktor Orban seen during his state address last month

What is Hungary's position on the war in Ukraine?

Hungary is gambling on the belief that economic and political relations with Russia can return to normal after the war in Ukraine ends, writes Liam Nolan.

Analysis and Comment • 03 Mar 23