The visit coincides with the 75 years since troops of the 1st Polish Armoured Division liberated the Dutch town of Breda from Nazi Germany.Poland, which was attacked by Germany and the Soviet Union in September 1939 was able to evacuate large number of soldiers who continued to fight for their country from abroad. In 1944, over 200,000 Polish soldiers took part in battles for Western Europe liberating numerous parts of Europe from German occupation. Today, President Duda, along with King William of the Netherlands, are attending a service at a cemetery for Polish soldiers in Breda.Later, there will be a parade in honour of the Polish soldiers who fought in Breda. In the evening, President Duda and the first lady will join King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima for a special reception at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam.
January 31st is the new deadline for the UK to leave the European Union after representatives of the 27 other member countries agreed to delay Brexit once again.
The new extension, announced yesterday, allows the UK to leave earlier if a Brexit deal can be passed in parliament. However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced another setback yesterday as parliament rejected his proposal for an election in December. Yesterday’s developments are likely to add to the feeling of 'Brexit fatigue’ in the UK. Many in Britain feel Brexit has paralysed politics and made watching the news unbearable. Earlier this month a special Brexit-free news channel was launched. Some believe Brexit needs to be finished and delivered so the country can move on. Others believe cancelling Brexit or holding a second referendum is the way out.
Both camps are plagued by in-fighting and internal disagreement.
Many people fall somewhere between these two points, but one statistic illustrates the public frustration with Brexit more than perhaps any other. According to an Opinium Research poll earlier this week, 57% of people feel the 2016 referendum should never have happened; only 29% who believe it was a good idea to hold a referendum on leaving the EU.
Independence from Russian gas in Central Europe is one step closer.
The Authorities in Denmark have given approval for a key section of the Baltic Pipeline to be built in Danish waters. The Danish Energy Agency said in a press release on Friday, that permits had been granted for construction of the undersea pipe by the country’s Minister for Climate, Energy, and Supply. The undersea pipeline, which will bring gas from Norway via Denmark to Poland, is being built to reduce the region’s dependence on Russian gas and may facilitate a transition away from coal power as well. According to the agency, the permits also include measures to protect the Baltic’s plant and wildlife like porpoises, Arctic tern, and eelgrass.
And in sports, England are to face South Africa in the final battle for the Rugby World Cup.
Over the weekend, an incredible England overcame the legendary New Zealand All-Blacks to secure their place in the final, winning 19-7. Then on Sunday, the South African Springboks knocked out Wales in a nail-biting game that was too close to call right up to the last few minutes. Finishing 19-16. South Africa and England clashed in the World Cup final once before, back in 2007. Back then, the Springboks were victorious so England will be fighting tooth and nail to get even. The final will be held this Saturday in Yokohama, Japan.
Tuesday’s weather: a pleasant but chilly day today. Patches of cloud around but plenty of sunshine with temperatures reaching about 8 Celsius, that’s 46 Fahrenheit.
RGEN News and Weather/AG
