Germany has objected to plans by the European Commission to use frozen Russian central-bank assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine, because it fears this would „set a precedent for others to pursue,” such as Poland’s claim for reparations from Germany for World War II, according to a report.
Germany’s objections were detailed in an article by the British newspaper the Financial Times on Monday. It stated that the European Commission was working on a plan that could raise billions of euros by requiring financial institutions that hold immobilised Russian assets „to hand over some of the profits generated and use them in the rebuilding of Ukraine.”
In April, the Polish government adopted a resolution „on the need to regulate, in Polish-German relations, the issue of reparations, compensation and redress” for the losses caused by the German invasion and subsequent occupation of Poland during World War II.
According to the German government, „the issue of reparations and compensation for World War II losses remains closed” and Berlin „does not intend to enter into negotiations on the matter,” officials have said.
Source: Polskie Radio, Financial Times
Under previous regulations, the zero rate VAT tax holiday was due to end on June 30th. However, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has announced that this rate cut will be extended to the end of the year. „We leave no one behind” he posted on his Facebook profile.
The special zero rate on food came about via the act passed by Parliament on January 13th last year, and came into force shortly after on February 1st. It was part of the second Anti-Inflation Shield, under which VAT rates on fuel and electricity were reduced. The tax cuts related to energy carriers expired at the end of 2022, but the zero VAT rate on food was originally extended until June of this year.
Source: PAP
The first Polish information centre aet up to educate members of the public about offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea has been established in Łeba. It will be open five days a week, Wednesday to Sunday, between the hours of 2pm and 6pm.
The initiative is aimed at popularizing the technology and increasing knowledge about wind farms, dispel doubts about green energy, provide information on jobs and be a place to organize workshops for the younger generation.
Source: Radio Gdańsk
Michał Siess, of the AZS Academy of Physical Education and Sport Club, Gdańsk secured Poland’s second gold of the fencing event after winning the men’s foil class in a crowded Tauron Arena.
The world no. 54 had a near-perfect record during the pool stage, recording only one loss, which gave him 13th overall seed in the elimination round. From then, he made his way to the final via knock-out wins to face Jonas Winterberg-Poulsen of Denmark; whom he beat after trailing 15-13.
The gold for Siess comes just days after fellow countrywoman Julia Walczyk-Klimaszyk also won her event in the women’s foil, defeating Flora Pasztor from Hungary. The European Games is proudly being hosted by the Polish city of Kraków this year, which kicked off on June 20th and will end on Sunday of this weekend.
Source: Radio Gdańsk, european-games.org
Weather
Today will be rainy with heavy cloud cover. A light wind will approach from the north. Daytime temperatures will see a high of 21°C or 70°F, with expected lows of 13°C or 55°F overnight. The weather is set to improve tomorrow, with sunshine returning to the region, and warm up to above 25°C for the remainder of the week.
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Tom Rado/MarWer
