Poland Seeks Return of EU Permits for Ukrainian Transporters, Brussels Opposes.

Poland has vowed to seek support for its proposal to the EU to reinstate permits for Ukrainian haulers, but the bloc’s executive declares that this is “‘not possible.” Deputy Infrastructure Minister Rafał Weber announced Poland’s position after a meeting of EU transport ministers on Monday saying Poland is “at the forefront” of supporting Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion, but “it shouldn’t come at the expense” of Polish transport companies.

Polish, Slovak, and Hungarian officials briefed other member states on the impact of the EU’s decision to ban permits for Ukrainian haulers. Poland revealed data showing how Ukrainian transporters had taken up such a large share of the market since they are able to get through the border faster than the average fourteen days it takes for Polish trucks returning from Ukraine. Rafał Weber added that Poland would “seek support in the EU” for the return of permits for Ukrainian haulers. The proposal was supported initially by Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Croatia.

Source: IAR, PAP, PolskieRadio

Polish FM Warns Hungary about Dealing with Russia

Poland’s Foreign Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk cautioned his Hungarian counterpart Péter Szijjártó against Budapest engaging in economic cooperation with Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine. The meeting took place in Budapest on Monday, after which vel Sęk stated Poland and Hungary had “different views” on Russia, but the Polish government was warning Hungary “as a close partner based on its own experience.”

However, the two foreign ministers agreed on Poland and Hungary’s criticisms of the amendments to the EU treaties, stating that it should be made up of strong, sovereign member states, and not be made into a superstate. Szijjártó remarked that relations between Hungary and Poland would always be a “brotherhood” despite policy differences between the countries.

Source: Reuters, IAR, PAP

New Parliament Speaker Says Voting Age Must be Lowered to Sixteen

Recently appointed Speaker of the Sejm Szymon Hołownia declared his intent in lowering the voting age from eighteen to sixteen. Hołownia provided his reasoning, stating that the retirement-aged portion of the population was growing, and projected by the state statistics agency (GUS) to make up 40% of Poland’s population by 2050.

“We, the elders, by voting today, are planning your lives for much longer than for ourselves, because we will leave this world sooner, and you will continue to bear the consequences of our decisions,” he added. Hołownia stated that the endeavor would be difficult, requiring a change to the constitution, meaning a two-thirds majority vote in the sejm and a simple majority in the senate.

Source: NotesFromPoland

Women’s Handball: Poland Loses Round to Germany

Poland finished against Germany 17-33 in their third match of the 2023 World Women’s Handball Championship. Despite the loss, Poland still managed to earn a spot in the main round of the tournament with a 35-15 and a 32-30 victory over Iran and Japan respectively. The team will next face Denmark, Romania, and Serbia. The tournament runs until December 17th.

Source: IAR, PAP, PolskieRadio

Weather

Today’s weather will be overcast all day with low winds. We don’t expect to see the sun at all and the temperature will remain below freezing at -6 to -2 degrees Celsius or 21 to 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Bryce Buren/jk