Liam Nolan

Eastern Europe Reporter

Polish President Andrzej Duda laying a wreath at Warsaw's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Polish Independence Day on November 11, 2017

Why is Polish Independence Day on 11 November?

Today marks Polish Independence Day, which is celebrated on 11 November each year. The fact that the occasion shares the same date as Armistice Day is no coincidence.

Poland • 11 Nov 23

Ursula von der Leyen and Volodymyr Zelensky speaking at a press conference in Kyiv on 4 November

Ukraine moves a step closer to EU membership

The European Union executive has recommended that member states open formal membership talks with Ukraine.

Ukraine • 08 Nov 23

Polish President Andrzej Duda meeting Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on 24 October during talks on forming the next government

Poland's president backs Morawiecki to form government

Poland's President Andrzej Duda nominated Mateusz Morawiecki, the current prime minister from the ruling Law and Justice party, to form a new government last night. The opposition bloc, which won a majority in last month's election, is set to defeat the nomination.

Poland • 07 Nov 23

The two individuals were named as Specially Designated Nationals (file image)

Two Irish citizens named on US sanctions list

Two Irish citizens have been named on a new US Treasury Department sanctions list against 130 firms and individuals it alleges have conducted business operations with Russia.

US • 04 Nov 23

People light candles at the Rakowicki Cemetery in Krakow on All Saints' Day (file pic)

Why graveyards glowed red in Poland last night

On All Saints' Day in Poland, millions of people travelled across the country to visit the graves of deceased relatives. A public holiday with pagan roots, the day remains an important part of Polish national identity.

Europe • 02 Nov 23

Two Ukrainian soldiers walk through the destroyed town of Avdiivka on October 26, 2023

Ukraine's counteroffensive moves towards winter phase

Progress in Ukraine's five-month long counteroffensive has been slow. As winter sets in, a large-scale push from Ukrainian forces looks unlikely, but fighting along the 1,000km front remains intense.

Ukraine • 28 Oct 23

Viktor Orban shakes hands with Vladimir Putin in Beijing earlier this week

Hungary signals desire to remain an EU outlier

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban met Russia's President Vladimir Putin at a forum in Beijing in China earlier this week. It was another signal from the Hungarian government that it wants to remain an outlier among EU member states when it comes to the bloc's policy towards Russia.

Hungary • 22 Oct 23

Leader of the Civic Coalition Donald Tusk

Polish opposition wins parliamentary majority in vote

Polish pro-EU opposition parties have won a parliamentary majority in a tight general election, the poll commission has said, announcing complete results.

World • 17 Oct 23

Election posters adorn a railway bridge in central Warsaw

Poland's election: What is at stake?

Poles are voting tomorrow in a closely contested election between the ruling nationalist-populist Law and Justice party and the main centrist opposition, Civic Coalition. In a polarised campaign, voter turn out will be key to deciding who forms the country's next government.

Poland • 14 Oct 23

Slawomir Mentzen speaks on stage at the Koneser Center in Warsaw last weekend.

Poland's far-right politician builds support on TikTok

Poland's far-right Confederation party is polling at 9% ahead of this Sunday's general election. Its co-leader Slawomir Mentzen has amassed almost 800,000 followers on TikTok and increased the party's support among young male voters.

Europe • 12 Oct 23