The United Kingdom has finally left the EU after 47 years of membership.
The British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson spoke of a new beginning and thousands of people held a rally outside the UK Parliament in London. In contrast, the event was downplayed in Brussels with the Union flag being unceremoniously taken down. Both supporters and opponents of the UK’s departure from the bloc spoke of their sadness and their warm feelings for the citizens of countries that remain members of the EU, however the prevailing feeling is that now the UK will take control of its borders, trading policy and laws, a new chapter is starting.
Meanwhile, from a practical perspective, nothing at all changes for tourists, workers, students or business travellers throughout the transition period which lasts until 31st December,2020. All documents, rules and procedures remain unchanged.
Macron to Visit Poland for the First Time
French President Emmanuel Macron is due to make his very first visit to Poland next week in the hope of easing tensions between the two nations. With the two countries not seeing eye to eye on several issues, including the rule of law and climate protection, this is expected to be an interesting meeting. By visiting Poland days after Britain leaves the EU, Macron is signalling the importance of one of the bloc’s biggest member states. French and Polish officials say that Macron will try to agree new investment plans and nuclear and military partnerships during the February 3rd and 4th visit. Macron is due to visit all 27 EU member states before the end of his five-year term.Source – Euractive.com
Spanish foundation thanks Poland for saving tigers
An Animal rights foundation in Spain has this week thanked Poland for saving the five tigers which arrived at their animal rescue centre according to a report on the First News website. In October last year, a group of ten tigers being smuggled from Italy to Russia were stranded for days at the Polish-Belarusian border. Subsequently one of the tigers died. The Animal Advocacy and Protection organization in Spain, which took over care of five of the nine surviving tigers, released a statement this week saying that the animals were under the care of specialists and their condition was steadily improving. A spokesperson for the group said, „We thank our Polish friends, who displayed great involvement in helping the tigers,”.
Possible Russian Risk
A Polish security agency has warned of possible Russian interference in upcoming presidential elections in Poland.The Kremlin may be tempted to interfere in the Polish election, which is due to be held in May, the Rzeczpospolita daily said this week, citing an article in an official publication of Poland’s Internal Security Agency. The paper written by a well-known Polish historian and researcher, offered a range of recommendations on how Poland can protect itself from Russian interference in its presidential election. These include the organisation of training seminars for political parties, members of campaign staffs as well as electoral commissions and volunteers. In addition, the paper adds that the writer formulates a series of recommendations for Poland, including “developing cooperation between the government, the services and the media” and “initiating actions that should neutralize all unrest and provocation.”
Facelift for Gdynia
Gdynia is planning a major rejuvenation of its city centre, with plans to spend 18 million zł by 2021. The plans will involve increasing pedestrianisation on some streets, including making Świętojańska street one-way traffic only and giving pedestrians priority on Starowiejska street. One of the big aims of the programme is to draw residents away from their cars and onto bikes or footpaths, so significantly more trees and greenery will also be introduced to the city centre and new bike lanes will be built on some streets. Vice President of the city said that the changes would have a positive impact on public health, as well as improving aesthetics.
The Weather
Saturday’s weather will be cloudy with showers in a moderate breeze. Temperatures will reach a relatively mild 10 degrees centigrade (50 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day, dropping to 6 degrees centigrade overnight.
Sunday will see temperatures of around 7 degrees centigrade and it will be cloudy once again with scattered showers.
