Liam Nolan

Eastern Europe Reporter

The collective shelter in Konstancin-Jeziorna, which has accommodated Ukrainian refugees since the start of the war

Poland's collective shelters for Ukrainian refugees

Almost two years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, 59% of Ukrainian refugees living in Poland pay for their own private accommodation. But an estimated 70,000 refugees continue to live in collective shelters, many of whom are finding it difficult to make the leap to independent living

Ukraine • 09 Jan 24

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky answers questions during his end-of-year press conference in Kyiv on 19 December

Western support for Ukraine crucial in 2024

Almost two years after Russia's invasion, financial aid packages for Ukraine have run into opposition. Yet, the start of formal EU accession talks with Kyiv in 2024 will provide a morale boost for many Ukrainians and bring the country closer to its long-term goal of European integration.

2023 in Review • 26 Dec 23

Poland's President Andrzej Duda (L) hands the assignment document to Donald Tusk to designate him as Poland's Prime Minister

Donald Tusk sworn in as Polish prime minister

Donald Tusk has been sworn in as Poland's new prime minister by Polish president Andrzej Duda, and will now lead a centrist, pro-EU government.

Europe • 13 Dec 23

Grzegorz Braun seen after using the fire extinguisher in the Polish parliament lobby

Polish MP extinguishes Hanukkah candles in parliament

A far-right Polish MP has used a fire extinguisher to douse a Hanukkah menorah at an today for the Polish Jewish community at the Polish parliament. The incident happened on a day when Poland's newly elected Prime Minister Donald Tusk had announced his new cabinet.

World • 12 Dec 23

Donald Tusk (centre) is congratulated by party members after receiving a majority of votes to become prime minister

Polish parliament votes in favour of Donald Tusk as PM

Poland's parliament has voted in favour of an opposition motion to elect Donald Tusk as the country's new prime minister.

Europe • 11 Dec 23

Emmanuel Macron (R) shields Viktor Orban from the rain at the Elysée Palace

Why Hungary wants to stall Ukraine's EU hopes

EU leaders will meet in Brussels next week for a two-day summit to decide on whether to start formal accession talks with Ukraine in the new year. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has voiced his government's opposition to the proposal. What is driving Hungary's position?

World • 11 Dec 23

Donald Tusk at a press conference in the Polish parliament this week

Why Poland's opposition is still waiting to form a govt

Seven weeks on from Poland's general election, the country's centre-left opposition bloc is still waiting for its chance to form a government.

Poland • 02 Dec 23

An insignia of the Royal Irish Regiment, discovered in a field in Silesia, southern Poland

The Irishmen in British uniforms, forgotten in Poland

While Irish independence was being forged at home, Irish soldiers in the British army were deployed to a region in today's southern Poland to keep the peace between Poles and Germans. The bodies of 11 Irishmen have remained buried there in unmarked graves for most of the past century.

Poland • 25 Nov 23

A protest by Polish truck drivers at three border crossings with Ukraine is causing delays of at least four days

Slovak border crossing blocked as wider protest looms

A Slovak border crossing with Ukraine has been partially blocked, police and media reported, in support of a similar protest in Poland.

Europe • 21 Nov 23

An apartment block last November in Kyiv, with lights powered by a generator

Helping to keep the lights on in Ukraine this winter

More than 300 companies from across Europe attended a Rebuild Ukraine expo in Warsaw this week, with a special focus on Ukraine's damaged energy infrastructure. The event took place as Ukrainian officials warn of Russian plans to step up attacks on the country's energy facilities this winter.

Ukraine • 16 Nov 23