Global Climate News Trending

Europe heatwave: Red alerts issued in 15 Italian cities

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Italy is currently experiencing extreme heat, leading to red alerts being issued for 15 cities, including Rome, Florence, and Bologna. This heatwave is part of a larger trend of increasing temperatures and longer heatwaves globally due to global warming.

The European Space Agency (ESA) predicts that Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and Poland may face extreme conditions, with potential record temperatures. Greece has already been experiencing temperatures of 40°C or higher, leading to the closure of tourist attractions like the Acropolis. There are concerns about the increased risk of wildfires in Greece and other areas with high winds.

Central parts of Europe, including Germany and Poland, are also affected by high temperatures. In contrast, the UK is experiencing heavy showers and cooler weather due to the southern shift of the jet stream. The current heatwave in Italy, named Cerberus, is expected to be followed by another heatwave called Charon, pushing temperatures above 40°C.

Heatwaves are also occurring in other parts of the world, including the US, China, North Africa, and Japan. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to global warming have become the new normal, according to the World Meteorological Organization.

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News Trending War

Heightened Alert: Polish Security Patrols Increase Vigilance at Belarus Border Amid Ukraine Conflict

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Poland has become increasingly cautious of its neighbor Belarus due to the possibility of Russian Wagner group mercenaries relocating there as part of a deal to end their mutiny. In response, Poland has fortified its border with miles of fencing, thermal cameras, and spotlights, which were initially installed after Belarus encouraged migrants to cross into Poland.

Poland is deploying extra officers as reinforcements ahead of the NATO summit, expressing concerns that the Wagner forces could instigate further trouble. The unpredictability of Belarus is seen as the biggest threat, with uncertainties surrounding the motives and preparations of the Wagner group. Despite the intended disbandment and exile of the mercenaries to Belarus, there are indications that the group is still operating within Russia.

Online contacts with Wagner revealed that recruitment was ongoing, and detailed instructions were provided to find the mercenaries’ training camp in southern Russia. However, the whereabouts and future plans of the Wagner group remain unclear. While some Belarusians express concerns about the group’s potential arrival, others see their recent mutiny as a sign of weakness within the Kremlin, fueling hopes for change.

There are doubts that Wagner will relocate to Belarus in large numbers or that their leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, would settle there due to potential scrutiny from the Russian FSB security service. Polish worries and warnings about Wagner’s presence in Belarus could be influenced by domestic politics, with some suggesting it as a political tool to enhance the government’s security credentials ahead of upcoming elections.

The situation surrounding the Wagner mutineers remains shrouded in mystery, leading Poland to maintain heightened border patrols and surveillance.

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News Trending

Poland’s mission to recover valuable artwork stolen by the Nazis

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During the Nazi occupation of Poland in World War Two, numerous valuable artworks were stolen. Among them was Madonna with Child, a 16th-century painting attributed to Alessandro Turchi. Recently, the painting was discovered in Japan and returned to Polish authorities in a ceremony held in Tokyo. This is part of Poland’s ongoing effort to retrieve looted artworks, with Madonna with Child being one of the 600 successfully recovered so far. However, there are still over 66,000 war losses yet to be found. Poland has launched a campaign to seek the return of hundreds of thousands of missing artworks and cultural items, as well as reparations from Germany for the damages caused by the occupying Nazis.

Art experts anticipate that more looted artworks will be uncovered as time passes, especially as heirs attempt to sell these pieces without awareness of their history. Madonna with Child was believed to have been transferred to Germany in 1940 during the Nazi occupation, as the Nazis frequently looted art from Jewish families before their execution. The painting appeared again in the 1990s when it was sold at an auction in New York. However, the sale was halted in January last year after Polish authorities identified the artwork, and it was subsequently agreed upon by the auction house and the owner to be returned to Poland. The official handover ceremony took place in Tokyo.

The return of masterpieces like Madonna with Child helps restore pride in Poland’s art heritage and highlights the significance of Polish collections. Polish art historian Natalia Cetera stated that reclaiming these artworks showcases the country’s focus on remembering its cultural heritage and rebuilding its strength in art. There has been a shift in recent years towards recognizing cultural heritage as a common good. As looted artworks are inherited by the next generation, the unaware heirs may unknowingly sell these pieces, leading to their discovery.

Efforts to locate stolen artworks from Poland involve recording them in international databases and the work of art historians who are researching looted artworks and identifying them. The advancement of technology and online platforms used by auction houses allow for increased visibility and more eyes searching for looted objects. Furthermore, there seems to be a generational shift in attitudes toward stolen masterpieces, with some individuals willingly returning the artworks rather than facing legal issues.

The return of Madonna with Child is a source of pride for Poland, but it remains uncertain whether the passion for retrieving stolen artwork will continue with future generations. The digitization of art collections may impact the interest in physical artworks, as access to digital versions becomes more prevalent. While the successful retrieval of physical artworks is currently important, the advancement of technology might reduce the necessity of physically reclaiming artworks in the future.

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International Relations News Trending

Polish inquiry into “Russian influence” infuriates the EU

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After Polish lawmakers established a new commission that might prevent persons with ties to Russia from holding public office, the EU threatened to take action against Poland.

The committee, which was approved by Poland’s parliament last week, will look into alleged Russian meddling between 2007 and 2022. However, detractors assert that the panel, which will be predominated by members of the administration, is meant to criticise opposition leader and former prime minister Donald Tusk.

Didier Reynders, the EU’s justice commissioner, stated that the panel was of “special concern.”

Anyone found guilty of acting under “Russian influence” will be subject to a 10-year ban from managing public finances, effectively preventing them from holding public office.It will look at gas agreements made with Russia in particular since the government claims they made the nation unduly dependent on Moscow.

According to sources, the 10-member panel might present its initial report as early as September and is predicted to be controlled by lawmakers from the ruling Law and Justice Party (PiS).

The EU Commission “will analyse the legislation and will not hesitate to take measures if it is needed,” Mr. Reynders told reporters in Brussels.

Without actual access to justice, including the ability to challenge an administrative decision before an impartial court, he continued, “it is impossible to agree on such a system.”

MPs from the opposition Civic Platform Party are concerned that the probe, which will focus on their party’s final period in office from 2007 to 2015, will try to undermine support for Mr. Tusk, who was prime minister at the time.

Despite not being a member of parliament, Mr. Tusk is now the party’s chairman and leader. He is anticipated to run against Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in elections later this year.

Krzysztof Brejza, the parliamentary leader of Civic Platform, referred to the new committee as a “Soviet-style idea” and charged that the administration had “organised a witch hunt against Donald Tusk and eliminated him” prior to the election.

Mark Brzezinski, the US ambassador to Poland, expressed his concern that the commission would “reduce voters’ ability to vote for those they want to vote for” on Monday. However, Mr. Morawiecki has defended the bill and charged Mr. Tusk with harbouring a secret.

Nothing should be feared, Mr. Morawiecki remarked, adding: “Why is this valued opposition of ours, especially Mr. Tusk, so terrified of a commission to verify Russian influence?

An ongoing dispute between Warsaw and the EU over judicial reforms resulted in the suspension of billions of euros in aid to Poland in January. Additionally, PiS has been charged with curtailing other civil liberties, including as press freedom, and opposition lawmakers claim Poland risks becoming an authoritarian state if the government is re-elected.

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News Trending War

EU rejects Ukraine grain bans by Poland and Hungary

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Poland and Hungary have implemented bans on Ukrainian grain imports to safeguard their domestic farming industries against low-priced imports. However, the European Commission has rejected these bans, stating that trade policy is not within the jurisdiction of individual member states. The ban covers various agricultural products including grains, dairy products, sugar, fruits, vegetables, and meats and will remain effective until the end of June.

The European Commission has not yet disclosed any actions it would take against Poland and Hungary for their bans on Ukrainian grain imports. The spokesperson emphasized the importance of aligning all decisions within the EU during challenging times.

Due to the disruption of export routes caused by Russia’s invasion last year, significant amounts of Ukrainian grain ended up in central Europe. A UN and Turkey-brokered deal with Russia allows Ukraine to continue exporting by sea, but it accuses Russia of causing delays with excessive inspections. Local farmers in Poland and Hungary complained of being undercut by cheaper Ukrainian grain flooding their markets, leading to the ban announced on Saturday. On Sunday, the Polish Economic Development and Technology Minister clarified that the ban would apply to goods in transit as well as those remaining in Poland.

The Polish Economic Development and Technology Minister, Waldemar Buda, has urged for negotiations with Ukraine to establish a system that guarantees exports pass through Poland and do not flood the local market. Ukraine claims that this action is in violation of bilateral trade agreements.

The country’s Agriculture Ministry stated that it has always been supportive of Poland’s agricultural sector and has responded quickly to various difficulties. The Ministry added that unilateral and extreme measures would not expedite a positive outcome. Ministers from both countries are scheduled to meet on Monday in Poland to discuss the matter.

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News Trending War

Poland to send four fighter jets to Ukraine ‘in coming days’

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Poland has announced that it will send four F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine “in the coming days” to provide support to the country in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The move comes as tensions between Ukraine and Russia continue to escalate, with Ukrainian officials reporting a significant buildup of Russian troops along the border.

According to Poland’s Defense Minister, Mariusz Blaszczak, the jets will be sent to Ukraine as part of a joint military exercise between the two countries. He also stated that the exercise was intended to “increase the security of Poland and Ukraine” and “demonstrate our readiness to respond to any threat.”

The deployment of the jets has been met with criticism from Russia, with officials calling the move “provocative” and warning that it could lead to a further escalation of the conflict. However, Ukraine has welcomed the move, with President Volodymyr Zelensky thanking Poland for its support.

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia began in 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine. Since then, fighting has erupted in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 13,000 people and has displaced millions.

The deployment of the fighter jets is seen as a show of support for Ukraine by Poland, which has been a strong supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. It is also seen as a signal to Russia that Poland is prepared to defend its allies in the region.

In conclusion, Poland’s decision to send fighter jets to Ukraine is a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. While it has been met with criticism from Russia, it is a clear demonstration of Poland’s support for Ukraine and its willingness to defend its allies in the region.

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News Trending War

Poland boosts defence spending over war in Ukraine

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Poland has promised a significant increase in defence budget, citing the conflict in Ukraine as justification. It is the most recent nation in Europe to announce an increase in military spending due to the conflict.

Just under 2.5% of Poland’s GDP is allocated to the military, but the prime minister intends to raise that percentage to 4% this year. Mateusz Morawiecki pleaded with Germany last week to permit the export of Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine.

In addition, he noted that increasing defence spending to 4% “could mean that this will be the highest percentage… among all Nato countries.” Poland, which shares a border with the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, previously announced that it would purchase 116 US-made Abrams tanks, with the first deliveries scheduled to begin this spring.

Numerous Western nations have reviewed and, in many cases, increased their military spending as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Beginning in 2024, members of the Nato Western military alliance will spend at least 2% of their GDP, a measure of a nation’s economic output, on defence. The alliance has long sought to achieve the percentage of 2%.

Recently, France announced plans for a significant expansion of its armed forces, partially in response to the conflict in Ukraine. France said the next seven-year budget will rise from €295 billion to €413 billion (£360 billion) from 2024 to 2030.

As part of their efforts to join NATO, Sweden and Finland have pledged significant increases in their military spending.

Germany committed an additional €100 billion of the budget to the military forces in the days following the invasion in February 2022.

Additionally, the UK committed to raising spending to 2.5% of GDP in June under former prime minister Boris Johnson.

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News Trending War

Ukraine war: Poland says missile deaths an unfortunate incident

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After a missile strike killed two people on a farm close to Poland’s western border with Ukraine, Andrzej Duda, the president of Poland, declared that there are no indications of an intentional attack.

US Vice President Joe Biden had earlier stated that it was “unlikely” that the missile had been launched from Russia.

The two employees perished as Ukraine came under attack from one of the war’s heaviest volleys of missile strikes.

The Kremlin had maintained that it was unrelated to their demise.

The missile that struck the farm in Przewodow, 6 kilometres (4 miles) from the border, was initially attributed to Russia, according to Poland.

Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed Warsaw should have quickly made it obvious the debris was from Ukraine’s S-300, accusing Western nations of having an exaggerated response.

Both Russia and Ukraine employ the outdated Soviet surface-to-air missiles, and Kiev declared its desire to participate in the probe while also indicating that it was prepared to present proof of a “Russian trail” in the attack.

According to Paul Adams of the BBC, Ukraine’s air defences have been working hard to shoot down Russian missiles, and one of the missiles that was fired may have been thrown off course. The NATO ambassadors gathered in Brussels during the investigation to discuss how to respond to a member state becoming involved in Russia’s war.

No evidence, according to Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, suggested that the incident was the product of a planned strike or that Moscow was contemplating aggressive measures against the defensive alliance.

According to Kiev, more than 90 Russian missiles were launched against Ukraine on Tuesday. Some of the missiles struck Lviv, which is close to Ukraine’s western border with Poland, despite the Ukrainian military’s claim that 77 were shot down.

The majority of the rockets fired by Russian forces, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, were intended against the nation’s energy infrastructure.

The S-300 missile, which was built in Russia, was most likely to blame, but there was no proof that it had been fired by the Russian side, according to Polish President Duda, who said this at a press conference on Wednesday. Invoking Article 4 of the NATO charter, which mandates consultations in the event of a security danger, may not be required, according to Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

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News Trending

Oder river: Mystery surrounds thousands of fish deaths

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Officials from Poland and Germany are attempting to determine what is causing a large-scale fish die-off in the Oder river, which divides the two nations. Since late last month, hundreds of kilometres of the river have been covered in thousands of dead fish.

Although tests have been conducted, it is believed that a harmful substance entered the water. However, the precise chemical is yet unclear. The German government has issued warnings about an impending environmental catastrophe and has advised people to stay away from the river.

However, activists have accused the government of both nations of neglecting to cooperate in order to promptly respond to the tragedy and protect people. Mateusz Morawiecki, the prime minister of Poland, fired two environmental officials on Friday for how they handled the situation.

German Environment Minister Steffi Lemke demanded a thorough inquiry into the incident and stated that investigators were working “full out” to determine its cause. Following the first complaints of a problem from Polish fishermen and anglers as early as July 28, tonnes of dead fish are alleged to have been pulled from the river.

According to the news agency AFP, the Oder is a river that is typically regarded as clean and serves as a habitat for 40 domestic fish species. However, a representative of the Brandenburg state in eastern Germany claimed test findings indicated elevated oxygen levels in the water, suggesting the presence of an alien material.

According to Katarzyna Kojzar, a journalist for the Polish investigative website OKO.press, beavers, birds, and ducks have also been impacted.

However, a heatwave and record low water levels on the Oder meant that fish were already in trouble, according to Christian Wolter of the Leibniz Institute.

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News Trending

Croatia bus crash: Twelve Polish pilgrims killed and 32 injured

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Twelve people were killed on Saturday in Croatia when a bus transporting Polish pilgrims ran off the road and into a ditch. According to reports, all 32 still alive passengers had injuries, 19 of them badly. Three priests and six nuns were part of the journey, which was planned by the Catholic organisation Brotherhood of St. Joseph. They were going to the Bosnian Catholic site of Medjugorje.

The Polish Foreign Ministry reported that all of the passengers were adults from Poland.

When the bus they were riding in drove off the A4 road between Jarek Bisaski and Podvorec, northeast of Zagreb, the accident occurred at about 05:40 local time (04:50 GMT).

Two Polish ministers are travelling to Croatia in response to the catastrophe, and Poland’s justice minister and prosecutor general have directed the Warsaw Prosecutors Office to begin an investigation into the circumstances leading up to the disaster.

Although 11 deaths were first reported, one more passed away later in a hospital.

They were all pilgrims, mostly from the Masovian province’s Radom and Sokolow, which also contains Warsaw, the capital of Poland.

The driver was not believed to be one among the dead, according to the Polish Foreign Ministry, but this has not yet been verified. Andrej Plenkovi, the prime minister of Croatia, sent his sympathies to the relatives of the victims and said in a tweet that the emergency services were doing everything they could to assist. Poland is a very famous destination for pilgrims because of rumours that in the 1980s, local youngsters witnessed an apparition of the Virgin Mary there.

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