Liam Nolan

Eastern Europe Reporter

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during today's 16th European Economic Congress in Katowice, Poland

Europe must 'turbo charge' defence sector - Von der Leyen

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on Europe to increase spending on defence at an economic conference in southern Poland today.

Europe • 07 May 24

Pro-EU supporters protest outside the Georgian parliament on Thursday against the government's foreign influence bill

Why were Georgians protesting this week?

Thousands of pro-EU supporters took to the streets of the Georgian capital Tbilisi this week to protest against a controversial draft bill that would classify organisations that receive international funding as being under foreign influence. Protesters believe it will harm Georgia's EU aspirations.

Europe • 04 May 24

The first of the new trains will be shipped to Ireland in September

Electrified DART+ plan moves a step closer

Iarnród Éireann's plan to introduce battery and electric-operated trains for the greater Dublin region in place of its current diesel train stock is edging a step closer.

Dublin • 30 Apr 24

Twenty years after accession, support for EU membership in Poland remains high at 77%

Back in Poland, 20 years after EU accession

Twenty years ago this week, on 1 May 2004, 10 new member states joined the European Union. Citizens of new eastern EU members, particularly from Poland, soon arrived in Ireland seeking work. Many settled in Ireland but, in recent years, an increasing number have also decided to return home.

World • 28 Apr 24

Pupils and their teacher at a primary school in Krakow (file pic)

Why did Poland get rid of homework in primary schools?

Earlier this month, Poland's government dispensed with compulsory homework for school children up to the age of 15. The new rules have caused a lot of discussion about the country's education system, and how children can benefit from more free time.

Poland • 22 Apr 24

The Włodarski family inspect their fruit farm in Pułtusk county, east-central Poland

Why Poland's farmers oppose the Green Deal

Protests by farmers have taken place in a number of EU countries this year against the bloc's proposed Green Deal, which aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Some of the strongest opposition has come from farmers in Poland, which argue that the deal will be too costly to implement.

Europe • 13 Apr 24

Simon Harris arriving at the meeting of seven EU leaders in Warsaw today

Harris 'will not be distracted' by Israeli govt comments

Taoiseach Simon Harris has responded to criticism from Israel's foreign ministry, which wrote, in a statement earlier today, that he "forgot" to mention the 133 Israeli hostages still held by Hamas during his speech in the Dáil on Tuesday.

Politics • 11 Apr 24

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a security meeting via a videoconference in Moscow on April 5, 2024

Why Russia decided to blame Ukraine for the ISIS-K attack

Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior Kremlin officials accuse Ukraine of involvement in last month's terrorist attack on a concert hall outside Moscow despite ISIS-K claiming responsibility for the rampage which killed 144 people. What is behind the Kremlin's strategy?

Russia • 08 Apr 24

Polish farmers block a road outside Warsaw during a nationwide protest on March 20, 2024

What is driving Poland's farmer protests?

An estimated 70,000 Polish farmers blocked more than 550 roads across Poland last week as part of their ongoing protest against the EU's Green Deal and the access of Ukrainian food imports to the bloc's market. After one month of mass protests, Poland's government wants to resolve the dispute.

Europe • 25 Mar 24

People are seen in front of a digital screen displaying Vladimir Putin and a quote from his recent address in Saint Petersburg

Russian election to cement Putin's 'power vertical'

Russians are voting this weekend in a presidential election which is expected to provide Vladimir Putin with a fifth term as president and enable him to stay in power until 2030. The three other candidates do not disagree with Mr Putin's policies, leaving voters with little to choose from.

World • 16 Mar 24