NEWSLETTER
From Poland with Love. August
Topic of the Month
Over-Prime Minister
President Karol Nawrocki has vetoed his first piece of legislation: a government-backed law that would have liberalized rules for onshore wind farm construction and extended a freeze on household electricity prices until the end of 2025. The legislation would have capped household energy costs at net PLN 500 (ca. EUR 117) per MWh.
He said his decision reflected public opposition to easing wind farm restrictions, including reducing the minimum distance from residential buildings from 700 meters to 500 meters and abolishing the so-called 10H rule introduced by PiS (which requires a distance of at least 10 times the turbine’s height).
The government linked the wind farm law with the household electricity price freeze, which allowed officials to accuse Nawrocki of opposing lower electricity bills for families. “The so-called wind farm bill is a form of blackmail by the parliamentary majority and the government,” the president said. “This legislation is about wind turbines, not about lowering electricity prices.” He added that his Chancellery would submit a separate proposal directly extending the price freeze without references to renewable energy.
Nawrocki further argued that reducing energy costs required “moving away from the EU’s Green Deal” and the ETS system, not building more wind farms. He has long been a vocal critic of the Green Deal and other EU policies limiting coal-based industries.
In the first month of his presidency, President Nawrocki has vetoed not one, but seven pieces of legislation, sparking a wave of political controversy and government criticism.
One of the most contentious vetoes concerned a bill that would have extended benefits for Ukrainian refugees until March 2026. The President rejected the measure, arguing that child benefits such as the monthly “800+” allowance should only be granted to Ukrainians who are legally employed in Poland. “This puts Polish citizens, in their own country, at a disadvantage compared to our Ukrainian guests. I don’t agree with that,” he declared, repeating his campaign slogan: “Poland first, Poles first.” He announced plans to submit his own proposals, stressing that Poland’s financial, political, and social context has changed fundamentally over the last three and a half years.
The government reacted sharply, warning that without the bill, the legal basis for Ukrainian refugees’ stay will expire on October 1. This could overwhelm administrative offices with hundreds of thousands of residency applications while creating difficulties for businesses employing Ukrainians under current special regulations. Ministers also fear disruption to social and economic integration.
Other vetoed bills include:
- Tax Offenses Reform: Part of a deregulation package, this bill would have reduced penalties for tax crimes. The President argued that Poland’s “drastic public finance situation” made lowering penalties unacceptable.
- Oil and Gas Reserves Bill: The veto blocked a reform of gas storage rules. Nawrocki argued the bill did not sufficiently safeguard national energy security and could discourage domestic investment.
- Plant-Protection Records Bill: Intended to require farmers to keep electronic records of crop-protection products, the bill was rejected on grounds of creating a disproportionate administrative burden and risking “digital exclusion,” especially for small and elderly farmers.
- “Lex Kamilek” Amendment: This amendment to child protection laws would have relaxed certain background check requirements. The President vetoed it, insisting it weakened safeguards against sexual offenses.
- Simplified Medical Pathways for Non-EU Doctors: The bill contained provisions to ease professional access for foreign doctors. The Supreme Medical Chamber had urged a veto, citing risks to patient safety, and Nawrocki’s decision blocked these measures along with refugee-related provisions.
The government expressed particular frustration over the refugee bill veto, warning of profound humanitarian and economic consequences. Critics argue that conditioning benefits on employment will disproportionately harm vulnerable groups, especially single mothers. Social Policy Minister Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk condemned the plan as punishing the weakest rather than solving systemic problems.
Economic data further complicates the President’s stance. A report by the state-run National Development Bank estimates that while child benefits for Ukrainian families cost around EUR 600 million annually, Ukrainians contribute roughly EUR 3.5 billion through taxes and social security. Their presence is credited with boosting Poland’s GDP by between 0.5% and 2.4% each year.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Digitalization Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski warned of additional fallout: the veto jeopardizes Poland’s EUR 43 million annual financing of Starlink satellite services for Ukraine. “With his decision, he has de facto shut down the internet in Ukraine,” Gawkowski said, calling it a “gift to Putin’s troops.”
Faced with mounting pressure, the government is racing against time to draft new legislation that would secure the legal status of refugees, safeguard businesses, and protect key aid commitments. Whether these efforts will be enough to prevent a crisis remains to be seen.
Politics
Belarusian Rap Concert Chaos
What began as a high-energy concert by Belarusian rapper Max Korzh at Warsaw’s National Stadium spiraled into a night of violence, controversy, and sweeping government response.
With over 60,000 in attendance, the event was marred by clashes with security, arrests, and displays of provocative symbols—including the black-and-red flag linked to the Ukrainian Insurgent Army—sparking outrage in Poland.
Police detained 109 individuals, many of them Belarusian and Ukrainian nationals, for offenses ranging from drug possession and ticket forgery to smuggling pyrotechnics. Disturbances spilled into Warsaw’s Wola district, prompting a broader law enforcement response.
In the aftermath, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the deportation of 63 foreigners—57 Ukrainians and 6 Belarusians—citing aggressive behavior and public disorder. Justice and Interior Ministers reinforced that violations by foreign nationals would be met with swift expulsion, underscoring Poland’s zero-tolerance stance.
The government framed the incident as part of its broader commitment to protecting national dignity and security. Tusk suggested Kremlin-linked actors may have sought to destabilize Polish-Ukrainian relations.
Poland has intensified deportation efforts in 2025: nearly 1,300 expulsions were recorded in the first two months alone, almost double last year’s figure. The Interior Ministry’s list of “undesirable” foreigners has now grown to over 31,000, including individuals linked to crime, security threats, or sanctions.
The black-and-red flag linked to the Ukrainian Insurgent Army is associated in Poland with the Volhynian massacre, described domestically as the genocide of Poles. In Ukraine, however, it has become a symbol of resistance and national struggle. Its display in Poland is seen as a provocation, on par with the swastika or hammer-and-sickle flags. President Nawrocki recently announced a bill to outlaw “Banderite symbols,” including this flag. Experts caution that such legislation would be extremely difficult to enforce and risk igniting international controversies.
Security
Dutch Soldiers in Eastern Poland
The Netherlands will send two Patriot air defense systems and around 300 personnel to protect a military aid hub for Ukraine in Jasionka.
“Due to the ongoing events in Ukraine, the ongoing conflict, and Poland's role in logistically securing the transfer to Ukraine (...), the Netherlands has declared support for systems securing our airspace and air defense systems,” commented Defense Minister and Deputy PM Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans (VVD) said his country will continue supporting the NATO logistics hub in Jasionka until at least June 1, 2026. He emphasized that his government is doing this “to show Russia there is no point in attacking this NATO hub for support to Ukraine.”
Earlier, the Netherlands pledged to deploy F-35 fighter jets to patrol Polish airspace between September 1 and December 1 in a joint mission with Norway.
First Polish Satellites
Poland will launch its first national military satellites this November, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to build defense-oriented space capabilities.
The announcement was made by Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at the opening of Poland’s first national satellite mission control center at the Military University of Technology in Warsaw. The new satellites will “allow for imaging regardless of the time - day or night - and regardless of weather,” he said.
In recent years, Poland has invested heavily to secure intelligence independence. A contract signed in December 2024 with a Polish company provides for the delivery of four micro-class optoelectronic satellites. In May 2025, another agreement was concluded for a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite system, capable of capturing images with a 25-centimeter resolution. These assets are expected to dramatically strengthen Poland’s reconnaissance capabilities and provide a comprehensive operational picture.
Poland & Germany
German Man Charged in Poland for Desecrating Flags
A German man has been charged in Poland after admitting to tearing down and damaging Polish flags on a border bridge, an act considered by law as insulting a state symbol.
The incident took place on the bridge connecting the Polish town of Słubice and the German town of Frankfurt an der Oder. The accused, a 58-year-old named Thomas S., was detained by Polish police after surveillance footage identified him. He confessed to the crime, stating he was heavily intoxicated and regretted his actions.
Under Article 137 of the Polish Penal Code, it is a crime to publicly insult, damage, or remove a state emblem, flag, or other national symbol. This law applies to both citizens and foreign nationals. Conviction can result in a fine, a prison sentence of up to one year, or restrictions on personal liberty.
Prosecutors, citing clear evidence, have requested a ruling without a hearing. They are seeking a six-month suspended prison sentence, a two-year probation period, and a PLN 2,000 (ca. EUR 469) fine.
The case has drawn political attention. Earlier this year, the Border Defence Movement (ROG), protesting Germany’s migrant policies, installed Polish flags on the bridge (see the previous issue of the Newsletter). More recently, EU flags were added in a joint initiative by the local authorities of Słubice and Frankfurt an der Oder to symbolize friendship and shared European values.
New President Calls for WWII Reparations from Germany
On the 86th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II, Poland’s new president has “unequivocally” demanded war reparations from Germany. Speaking at a commemoration ceremony at Westerplatte in Gdańsk—the site of the first German attack—President Karol Nawrocki declared that reparations are essential for building relations between the two countries based on truth and mutual respect.
This demand echoes similar calls made by the previous government, which sought PLN 6 trillion (ca. EUR 1.4 trillion) from Berlin. Nawrocki, backed by PiS during his campaign, promised to “fight for justice for six million murdered Poles.” His remarks also aligned with those of former President Andrzej Duda, who made the same demand at the Westerplatte ceremony last year.
Economy
New Taxes on Banks
Amid mounting concerns over its budget deficit, the Polish government plans to raise the tax rate on banks, which have reported soaring profits.
The Ministry of Finance and Economy has proposed a draft bill increasing the corporate income tax (CIT) rate for banks from 19% to 23% in 2028. Interim hikes are planned: 26% in 2027 and 30% in 2026.
The move comes as Polish banks reported an 18.3% increase in combined net profit during the first seven months of 2025, reaching PLN 28.3 billion (ca. EUR 6.66 billion). The surge is largely due to higher interest income, itself a result of elevated rates set by the National Bank of Poland.
“The banking sector is currently generating very high profits,” said Finance Minister Andrzej Domański. “These profits would simply not exist if interest rates were lower.” The ministry estimates that the planned increases could generate over PLN 20 billion for the state budget over the next decade.
Society
Viral Hat Snatch
A heartwarming gesture by Polish tennis player Kamil Majchrzak at the US Open turned into viral controversy after an unexpected and bizarre interruption.
Following a hard-fought win, Majchrzak approached the stands to gift his cap to a young boy who had cheered him on. Just as the boy reached out, Piotr Szczerek—CEO of Warsaw-based paving company Drogbruk—leaned in and snatched the hat.
The moment exploded online. Clips drew millions of views, sparking disbelief and outrage at the CEO’s behavior. Social media lit up with memes, criticism, and calls for accountability.
Szczerek initially stayed silent, but later apologized, describing his actions as a “misjudged moment of excitement” and claiming he intended to return the hat. His company nonetheless faced backlash, with some partners reportedly reconsidering ties.
Majchrzak later met the boy personally, gifting him a signed cap, a tennis ball, and other merchandise.
Culture
Poland Bids Farewell to Two Artistic Giants
Poland is mourning the deaths of two towering figures in its cultural life: Stanisław Soyka, a celebrated jazz and pop musician, and Marcel Łoziński, a master of documentary filmmaking.
Soyka, 66, was a versatile artist known for blending jazz, pop, and gospel with his soulful voice. Scheduled to perform at a festival in Sopot, he fell ill and passed away shortly after. Tributes poured in from fellow musicians, remembering his charisma and immense talent.
Łoziński, 85, was a legendary documentarian whose innovative films blended artistic provocation with incisive social commentary. His Oscar-nominated 89 mm from Europe remains a classic. A longtime presence at the Kraków Film Festival, he was honored with the prestigious Dragon of Dragons award for lifetime achievement.
Their passing marks a profound loss for Poland, as both men profoundly shaped and enriched the nation’s cultural landscape.
International Affairs
Poland Honors Cuban Dissident with Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Prize
Poland has awarded the Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Prize to Cuban dissident Berta Soler, leader of the “Ladies in White” protest movement.
The ceremony, held in Florida, was attended by Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a vocal critic of the Cuban regime.
Soler, unable to attend for political reasons, accepted the award via prerecorded video. Drawing parallels between the Polish and Cuban struggles, she noted that both peoples had “suffered communist oppression.” While Poland freed itself through unions and democratic struggle, Cubans, she stressed, have endured “66 years of communist tyranny.”
Sikorski praised Soler’s “determination and courage,” calling the prize a recognition not only of her but of all “Ladies in White” and the Cuban people’s democratic aspirations. The relaunched award includes a statuette and PLN 1 million (ca. EUR 235,000) in prize money.
Rubio lauded Poland’s support for global democratic struggles, saying, “Of all the nations in the world who have overcome the tyranny of communism, the one that most certainly hasn’t forgotten what it took...is our allies and friends in Poland.” He praised Soler’s bravery for remaining in Cuba despite repeated arrests, calling her a figure the world needs to know more about.
Polls & Trends
Party Support
CBOS, 1-3 September
PiS 30%
Civic Coalition 28%
Confederation 11%
Together 6%
Left 5%
Crown 4%
Poland 2050 3%
PSL 2%