Poland on Tuesday officially became a framework nation of the multinational Eurocorps military group, with Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak attending the welcoming ceremony in Strasbourg, France. During his speech yesterday, Błaszczak described the Eurocorps as “an important part of the command architecture in NATO and the EU.” He went on to urge the six framework nations of the Eurocorps to “do everything” to make sure the force is ready and able to play a significant role in NATO.

The comments were an apparent reference to the ongoing security crisis with Russia, which has demanded a scaled-down NATO presence in countries such as Poland and the Baltic states, along with guarantees that countries such as Ukraine would never be allowed to join the Alliance.

Founded in 1992, Eurocorps is an 11-country, rapid-response military force capable of commanding up to 60,000 soldiers. It can be used in humanitarian, rescue, and peacekeeping missions by international organizations such as the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations.

According to Błaszczak, by stepping up involvement in Eurocorps, “we are demonstrating that Poland is not just a consumer of security, but also guarantees security.” Poland has been an associated member of Eurocorps since 2002 and now joins France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, and Luxembourg as the sixth full-fledged “framework nation.”

Source: Radio Poland

Older elementary school children and high school students in Poland will switch to remote learning as the omicron coronavirus variant continues to drive up infection rates.

Education Minister Przemysław Czarnek announced the changes during a press conference on Tuesday. As of Thursday, January 27, classes will be conducted remotely until the end of the “feria” winter break period in late February.

Of the nearly 37,000 (36,995) new coronavirus cases and 252 additional deaths confirmed yesterday, the highest numbers were reported in the provinces of Mazowieckie (6,340) and Silesia (5,509). In Pomerania, an additional 2,175 new infections were reported on Tuesday, with an additional 12 deaths attributed to COVID-19.

Source: Radio Gdansk, Radio Poland

Poland’s governing conservatives on Tuesday said they would submit new legislation to help combat the coronavirus pandemic.

The announcement came after politicians from the country’s main parliamentary parties met with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Tuesday to discuss COVID-19 policies amidst a resurgence in infections.

Government spokesman Piotr Müller told reporters the new bill would be unveiled on Wednesday or Thursday and would be drawn up “on the basis of proposals” floated by the opposition during the meeting and “additional ideas that have emerged within the Cabinet.”

The new bill will reportedly “comprehensively supplement” an existing proposal submitted by MP Czesław Hoc in December. Hoc’s proposed verification bill would give employers the right to demand that staff produce vaccination certificates, a negative COVID-19 test, or proof of having recovered from the coronavirus.

Source: Radio Gdansk, Radio Poland, PAP

Polish tennis phenom Iga Świątek has advanced to the semifinals of the women’s singles competition at the Australian Open in Melbourne.

The 20-year-old Pole defeated Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi in three sets during the quarterfinals match at Melbourne Park earlier this morning.

Swiątek, who is ranked world No. 9 by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), will face off tomorrow against Danielle Collins of the United States, who is currently ranked world No. 30. The match is set for 10:45 CET on Thursday.

Świątek is Poland’s last hope at the prestigious Australian competition after Hubert Hurkacz, Magda Linette, and Kamil Majchrzak all crashed out in the second round.

The Australian Open runs until Sunday, January 30.

Source: Radio Poland, ausopen.com

Weather

Today will be cloudy, cold, and wet, with a chance for rain showers throughout the day and a strong breeze coming in from the west. Temperatures will peak around a high of 5°C, or 41°F, dropping to an overnight low of 3°C or 37°F. Similar weather is expected tomorrow, with a chance for some snow over the weekend.

Elizabeth Peck/ua