Polish Pilots Set to Guard Baltic Airspace

Polish Aviators began their duty of protecting NATO Baltic Airspace at the Ämari Airbase in northwestern Estonia, relieving the Spanish Air Force. The patrol is composed of F-16 fighter jets that are on standby twenty-four seven during policing, interception, and training flights.

This is the second time Polish Forces have participated in the air patrol mission, first relieving Czech Republic’s forces in 2020. NATO first mandated the mission of having member state air forces patrolling the airspace of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in 2004. The mission has been indefinitely extended since 2012.

Source: PAP, TVP World

Poland to Extend Border Controls with Slovakia

Poland has extended temporary controls on its border with Slovakia until January 2nd amid increased migrant traffic in the region. Slovakia is used as a transit country mainly by migrants from the Middle East and Afghanistan who cross into the EU via Hungary from Serbia.

The Czech Republic and Austria both implemented controls on their borders with Slovakia as well, and Slovakia has increased its security on its border with Hungary.

Source: Reuters, TVP World

UPDATE: Poland Gains Support from other EU Member States in Debate Against Treaty Changes

Poland’s Foreign Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk made a statement at a media briefing in Prague on Friday that the proposed changes to the EU treaties must not be adopted without discussion among member states.

He reported that his counterpart representing the Czech Republic had felt the same way, as well as representatives from Slovakia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Szynkowski vel Sęk told the press that “quite a few countries are skeptical about the proposed EU treaty changes,” adding that he would visit with representatives of more countries to discuss the issue further.

Source: IAR, PolskieRadio

Football: Poland’s Raków Win in Europa League, Legia Warsaw Loss

Poland’s Raków Częstochowa won their first UEFA Europa match of the 2023/2024 season. They scored 1-0 against Sturm Graz in Austria on Thursday night.

Meanwhile Legia Warsaw lost 1-2 to Aston Villa in Birmingham. Some fans had clashed with the police beforehand injuring four officers. Thirty-nine were arrested and banned from watching the match.

Source: PAP, BBC, UEFA, IAR

Weather

Today’s weather will be overcast all day with some snow in the mid afternoon. The temperature will stay just below freezing at -4 to 0 degrees Celsius or 24 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit.