TVN24 News in English

TVN24 News in English

EU parliament formally approves Just Transition Fund

The European Parliament on Tuesday formally approved the European Union's multi-billion euro fund to support countries as they wind down fossil fuel industries, as the bloc overhauls its economy to fight climate change. Poland, which employs over half of the roughly 230,000 people working in Europe's coal industry, is in line for the biggest share.

Supreme Audit Office chief notifies EUROSAI about government pressure

We see yet another act of the appalling and disgusting war between state institutions - a Left party lawmaker Krzysztof Śmiszek said on Tuesday. He was referring to a letter by the Supreme Audit Office (NIK) President Marian Banaś, addressed to the European Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (EUROSAI). In the letter, Banaś complained about government pressure put on the NIK. "I can't see any pressure whatsoever. Constitution prevents us from doing such things" - said the Speaker of the Sejm Elżbieta Witek.

Health minister: risk of new viruses and variants is still high

At a meeting of parliaments of the Visegrad Group countries in the Polish Sejm, Health Minister Adam Niedzielski said "we all long for getting back to normal, but unfortunately there will always have a certain fear creeping back in our heads". He added there was still a high risk of new variants of coronavirus and new viruses.

German journalist calls on Lewandowski not to beat Mueller's record

Robert Lewandowski matched Gerd Mueller's extraordinary achievement of scoring 40 goals in one season, but he still has another game up in his sleeve. Bayern striker can establish a new Bundesliga record in this season's last fixture against Augsburg. However, there are some journalists and football fans in Germany who would rather prefer Lewandowski wouldn't.

MEP Róża Thun leaves Civic Platform over policy disagreements

Civic Platform MEP Róża Thun announced on Monday that she has quit as party member. She explained that her views were at odds with the official party line, and that the vote over the Recovery Fund was the last straw. "I'm against poorly-coordinated bargaining between parties affecting projects aimed at supporting hundreds of millions European citizens in crisis" - she said in a statement. "I can only regret that she has made such a decision" - Civic Platform chairman Borys Budka said about Thun's departure.

Iga Świątek proudly climbs to WTA top ten

French Open champion Iga Świątek said securing a spot in the top 10 of the world rankings was evidence her game had become more consistent after the Pole struggled with some "frustrating" results following her maiden Grand Slam triumph last year.

Paulo Sousa names Poland's squad for EURO 2020

Poland's national team coach Paulo Sousa on Monday announced a list of players that would play in the EURO 2020. Two regular first-eleven players have been placed on the reserves list: West Brom's winger Kamil Grosicki and Dinamo Moscow's playmaker Sebastian Szymański.

Democratic institutions concerned with Poland's ombudsman institution crisis

"We reiterate our strong support for the Office of the Polish Commissioner for Human Rights, an ombudsman institution, equality body, and accredited as A-status NHRI, in its work to promote and protect human rights and equality in Poland in an independent and effective manner" - the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions, the European Network of Equality Bodies, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, the International Ombudsman Institute, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, and the Regional Office for Europe said in a joint statement.

NIK chief: we got emails about bomb threats and my son's suicide plans

On Thursday, at a press conference regarding results of inquiry into the preparation of last year's postal voting in presidential election, the chief of the Supreme Audit Office Marian Banaś said "it's a weird coincidence that two days ago we received an email about bombs planted on our premises and in eight of our branches". "Today, in turn, there was an email saying may son was about to commit suicide" - he added.

EU Commission raises economic forecast for Poland in 2021

The European Commission has increased its GDP forecast for Poland in 2021 from 3,1 percent to 4 percent - according to the "European Economic Forecast. Spring 2021". The unemployment rate for 2021 is expected to be the lowest in the whole EU and equal 3,5 percent.

"Save our professions!" Nurses and midwives protested in Warsaw

Polish nurses organised a protest on Wednesday at Warsaw's Plac Na Rozdrożu, which could be literally translated as "At the Crossroads Square". For the duration of the manifestation, the nurses called the venue "At the Polish Nurses and Midwives' Career Crossroads Square", as they demanded decent wages and better working conditions. They also pointed out problems such as the increasing age average of Polish nurses.

Police help pavement-walking beaver to reach green area

First it walked straight down the pavement, but then started to get closer to the road. This beaver's night stroll through Gniezno could have ended tragically. The animal was spotted by police officers and it continued on its path under their watchful eye.

Bucharest Nine leaders call for increased NATO presence in Eastern flank

We will continue our efforts aimed at making NATO more efficient and stronger and we are ready to bring our contribution to the benefit of transatlantic security - the presidents of nine countries stated in declaration after the Bucharest Nine summit. Romania's President Klaus Iohannis stressed that Russia's activities in the region were a matter of concern and that NATO should step up its efforts. "That's why I've suggested in discussion with Joe Biden that the allied presence in Romania and in the south of the Eastern flank be increased" - said Poland's President Andrzej Duda.

Woman sentenced to probation for violating COVID quarantine

Karolina L. has been sentenced to a one-year probation for violating quarantine rules. The woman knew she had tested positive for coronavirus, and yet she was going out to do shopping. The court also ordered the 38-year-old to pay 1,800 zlotys in compensation to 12 people.

Government shortens gaps between COVID vaccine doses

Following the advice of the Medical Council we've decided to shorten the gap between the first and the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine - the vaccination programme chief coordinator and PM's aide Michał Dworczyk said on Monday. The gap between AstraZeneca shots will be cut the most.

EU human rights court to examine cases of judges Juszczyszyn and Biliński

The European Court for Human Rights in Strasbourg will examine cases of two Polish judges, Paweł Juszczyszyn from Olsztyn and Warsaw judge Łukasz Biliński - TVN24 reporter Michał Tracz has learned. The EU court has also notified the Polish government which - in line with the standard procedure - should respond regarding the cases.