The City of Gdańsk hosted a delegation of international visitors over the weekend as part of the official Ukraine Working Group, which operates within the framework of the EU’s European Committee of the Regions.
During the meeting, representatives from Ukraine and the EU discussed issues regarding the EU accession process, including efforts to counteract corruption and provide transparency in allocating public funds.
Vasco Cordeiro, President of the European Committee of the Regions, expressed the EU’s desire to help Ukraine “build local democracy with respect for the rule of law, tolerance and freedom” on its path to becoming “a full member of the European Union.”
Oleksandr Slobozhan, executive director of the Association of Ukrainian Cities, thanked those present for the multifaceted support given to Ukrainian cities and regions and described efforts currently underway to improve accountability and transparency.
The meeting location in Gdańsk on the anniversary of the Russian invasion highlighted the solidarity of nations in the fight for a free Ukraine.
The meeting began with a memorial ceremony at the Defenders of Mariupol Square in Gdańsk Wrzescz, followed by a visit to St. Mary’s Basilica, where visitors laid flowers at the grave of slain Gdańsk Mayor Paweł Adamowicz.
The delegation also visited the local UNICEF aid point and met with members of the Ukrainian community living in Gdańsk.
Source: Radio Gdańsk
Some 200 people were evacuated from the “Kowale” Shopping Center near Gdańsk yesterday after a car caught fire in the underground car park.
No one was injured in the blaze, but employees and customers were evacuated due to heavy smoke in the area.
Three fire brigades were called to the scene to extinguish the car, which was later towed away. After airing out the premises, the shopping center reopened for business.
As of last night, police were still investigating the source of the fire.
Source: Radio Gdańsk
Polish ski jumper Piotr Żyła is celebrating today after taking the top spot at the World Ski Championships in Planica, Slovenia, on Saturday.
The 32-year-old Pole was the only jumper to fly over 100 meters in yesterday’s competition, with jumps of 97.5 and 105 meters.
His jumps broke the hill record and beat Germany’s Andreas Wellinger and Karl Geiger, who finished second and third, respectively.
Fellow Pole Dawid Kubacki took 5th overall, followed by Kamil Stoch in 6th.
Team Poland will be back on the hill today to finish out the group phase of the competition.
Source: Polskie Radio
Radio Gdańsk listeners will be treated to a live concert of the Polish-Ukrainian rock band “Hanna” tonight as part of the “Serce za serce” charity campaign to support Ukraine.
Tonight’s concert at Radio Gdańsk is organized in cooperation with the Baltic Sea Cultural Center and the “Metropolia Jest Okey” series, as part of a fundraising campaign inaugurated by the Regional Polish Radio Broadcasters association “Audytorium 17” together with Caritas Polska.
The “Serce za serce” campaign is currently raising funds to purchase an ambulance for the city of Bakhmut. Donations can be made by sending an SMS with the description “BACHMUT” to 72052 (cost PLN 2.46 incl. VAT). The collection lasts until February 28, 2023.
Tonight’s concert will begin shortly after 20:00 and will be broadcast on-air and streamed live on the Youtube channel and Facebook page of Radio Gdańsk.
Weather
Today will be mostly cloudy with a chance for rain or snow later in the day and a strong breeze coming in from the north. Temperatures will remain just above freezing most of the day, climbing to a high of 2°C or 36°F and dropping to a low of -1°C or 31°F overnight. Slightly cooler temperatures are expected for tomorrow, with skies clearing off overnight.
Elizabeth Peck/pb