The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has declared that Poland’s failure to legally recognize same-sex unions constitutes a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights, in a pivotal ruling.

The ruling highlights the need for legal frameworks that respect and protect the rights of same-sex couples. Poland’s Ombudsman in response to the ruling, emphasized the state’s responsibility to adhere to the decision. „The state should work out a concept of a registered union of same-sex partners.” The ombudsman further clarified the scope of the ECHR’s ruling, stating that it does not necessarily demand marriage equality but insists on the institutionalization of same-sex unions in key life aspects such as property, maintenance, taxation, inheritance, and access to health information about a partner.

Source – Polskie Radio

Inflation in Poland stood at 6.1% year-on-year in December, the country’s statistics office said in a flash estimate on Friday. The figure is 0.1% higher than the previous month, but better than markets had expected.

The Polish central bank said in its latest Inflation Report, released in November 2023, that inflation would average at 11.4 percent in 2023, followed by 4.6 percent in 2024 and 3.7 percent in 2025. In December, the Polish central bank’s rate-setting Monetary Policy Council left interest rates unchanged, keeping the reference rate at 5.75 percent.

Source – Polskie Radio

Poland have won the silver medal in the women’s team sprint at the 2024 European Speed Skating Championships in the Netherlands yesterday evening.

The team covered the 3,000m distance in 1:28.06mins, finishing 30 seconds behind the winning Dutch team, and 0.77 seconds ahead of third-placed Norway. Meanwhile, Poland’s men came fourth in the men’s team pursuit (4,000m), which was won by Norway ahead of Italy and the Netherlands.

Source – Polskie Radio

Data released by the Pomeranian traffic police has shown that 2023 appeared to be more dangerous for drivers than previous years, despite fewer accidents. There were 1558 accidents on the region’s roads in 2023, down 2.5 percent on the previous year, however the number of people involved rose by 9%.

The number of fatalities increased by 2 to 92. Meanwhile, declines were recorded nationwide with 20,993 accidents, 1.5% less than the previous year and 1,883 people deaths which is a marginal improvement.

Source – Radio Gdańsk

Weather

Today will be a cold and cloud day in a gentle breeze with temperatures of -1 degree Celsius (30 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and -7 degrees overnight. Tomorrow will remain cloudy in light winds with temperatures of -6 degree during the day and -9 degrees overnight.

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Martin Caren/MarWer