Liam Nolan

Eastern Europe Reporter, in Ukraine

The Taoiseach has spent the past two days meeting with leaders in Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia

Taoiseach says EU should admit new members this decade

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar met with the leaders of North Macedonia in the country's capital Skopje this afternoon, concluding a two-day tour of three Western Balkans countries.

Europe • 12 Jan 24

The Taoiseach will discuss EU membership, peace and security during his visit to Kosovo (File image)

Taoiseach in Kosovo for talks on EU membership

The Taoiseach is in Kosovan capital, Pristina, to meet the country's leaders and hold discussions on Kosovo's application for EU membership.

World • 11 Jan 24

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