Liam Nolan

Eastern Europe Reporter, in Ukraine

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk (centre) visiting a section of the 'East Shield', a defensive infrastructure along Poland's borders with Russia and Belarus

Can Poland reshape EU defence policy during presidency?

Poland is pushing for a debate on increased military spending by EU member states during its six-month presidency of the Council of the EU, which started on 1 January. But the result of Germany's federal election and the bloc's economic security could hold the key to any radical shift on defence

Europe • 12 Jan 25

Benjamin Netanyahu is sought by the International Criminal Court on an arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Gaza

Letter on Netanyahu surprised Polish officials

A letter by Polish President Andrzej Duda to the country's Prime Minister requesting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu be given "an undisturbed stay" in Poland, if he were to attend the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, came as a surprise to Polish officials.

Europe • 10 Jan 25

The event took place in Poland's capital, Warsaw

Poland launches its presidency of the Council of the EU

Poland's six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union was officially launched yesterday evening at Warsaw's Grand Theatre with a performance by musicians from the Polish National Opera.

Europe • 04 Jan 25

Ukrainian army paramedics treat injured Ukrainian soldiers in a bus on the frontline in Donetsk earlier this month

Ukraine war enters crucial phase amid peace talks push

In 2024, Russia's invasion of Ukraine was characterised by repeated aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities and small gains by Russian forces at the front. With the new Trump administration set to push for a peace talks to start in 2025, Ukraine's leadership faces some difficult decisions.

2024 in Review • 31 Dec 24

Polish foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski said he considered the Hungarian government's decision to grant asylum to the former Polish deputy minister for justice to be a hostile act (file photo)

Poland accuses Hungary of 'hostile' act over asylum case

A diplomatic standoff has broken out between Poland and Hungary after the Hungarian government granted political asylum to a former Polish deputy minister of justice wanted on charges of misusing public funds.

Europe • 20 Dec 24

Vladimir Putin told Russians that their armed forces were about to achieve the original goals of the 'special military operation' in Ukraine

What to make of Putin's annual press conference?

Russian President Vladimir Putin did not start his annual end-of-year press conference this morning by talking about the war in Ukraine, or the "special military operation" as the Kremlin calls the three-year conflict.

Russia • 19 Dec 24

Tina Bokuchava (C) supports targeted EU sanctions against Georgian officials

Pro-EU Georgian leader: Sanctions would bring 'pressure'

The leader of a pro-EU opposition party in Georgia has said that targeted European sanctions would "mount tremendous pressure" on Georgian state institutions involved in recent crackdowns on protestors.

Europe • 17 Dec 24

People, carrying EU and Georgian flag, protest in front of the parliament building in Tiblisi

Political crisis in Georgia deepens as president elected

Former Manchester City footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili has been elected as Georgia's new president by the parliament in Tbilisi.

Georgia • 14 Dec 24

Macron said Europe needs to work very closely with the US administration regarding Ukraine

Tusk and Macron in talks on European support for Ukraine

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and French President Emmanuel Macron have held talks in Warsaw to discuss European support for Ukraine ahead of the incoming Donald Trump-led administration in the United States.

Ukraine • 12 Dec 24

Mackenzie Michalski was found dead on 8 November after the suspect travelled with police to reveal the location of her body

Detention extended for Irish man held over Hungary murder

A court in Budapest has prolonged the pre-trial detention of a 37-year-old Irish man, who was arrested last month by Hungarian police in connection with the suspected murder of a 31-year-old US tourist.

Europe • 10 Dec 24