A 19th-century shipwreck was uncovered in good condition loaded with champagne bottles in the deep Baltic Sea. The discovery was made by a team of Polish divers off the south coast of Sweden.

The ancient sailing ship was, "loaded to the sides with champagne, wine, mineral water and porcelain," according to the statement by the Baltictech team, who made the discovery.

“I have been diving for 40 years, and it often happens that there is one bottle or two… but to discover a wreck with so much cargo, it’s a first for me,” Tomasz Stachura, the leader of the diving team that discovered the wreck told CNN.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/australias-biggest-maritime-mystery-solved-as-mv-noongahs-shipwreck-found-after-55-years-744180">Australia's biggest maritime mystery solved as MV Noongah's shipwreck found after 55 years</a>

When the divers first discovered the wreck on the sonar, they thought it to be a fishing boat. But when two of their divers were gone for almost two hours for what was supposed to be a quick dive, they knew they had found something interesting.

The team encountered over 100 bottles of champagne and clay bottles of mineral water. While the champagne seemed more valuable, it was the mineral water that was more precious according to Baltictech.

"Its value was so precious that transports were escorted by the police," the statement by Baltictech said.

In older days, mineral water only reached the royals and was almost treated like medicine. The water bottles had the seal of Selters, a highly regarded German brand in those days which still exists today. The water comes from a mineral spring in the town of Selters, in Hesse, a central German state and has been bottled for more than 800 years.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/labourer-finds-diamond-worth-95000-in-indias-panna-city-i-knew-i-had-found-a-diamond-744217">Labourer finds diamond worth $95,000 in India's Panna city: 'I knew I had found a diamond'</a>

"Thanks to the shape of the stamp and with historians' help, we know that our shipment was produced between 1850-1867. Interestingly, the pottery factory into which the water was bottled also exists, and we are in contact with them to find out more details," said&nbsp;Stachura.

The divers have informed the Swedish authorities about their finds, located about 20 nautical miles south of Öland, a Swedish island. However, Stachura said that the extraction of the bottles could take some time due to administrative restrictions.

“It had been lying there for 170 years, so let it lie there for one more year, and we will have time to better prepare for the operation,” he said.

Stachura told the BBC that the shipment could have been transported to Tsar Nicholas I, the Russian emperor, who is reported to have lost a ship in the same area during that time.

(With inputs from agencies)

A 19th-century shipwreck was uncovered in good condition loaded with champagne bottles in the deep Baltic Sea. The discovery was made by a team of Polish divers off the south coast of Sweden.

A 19th-century shipwreck was uncovered in good condition loaded with champagne bottles in the deep Baltic Sea. The discovery was made by a team of Polish divers off the south coast of Sweden. The ancient sailing ship was, "loaded to the sides with champagne, wine, mineral water and porcelain," according to the statement by the Baltictech team, who made the discovery. “I have been diving for 40 years, and it often happens that there is one bottle or two… but to discover a wreck with so much cargo, it’s a first for me,” Tomasz Stachura, the leader of the diving team that discovered the wreck told CNN. Also Read | Australia's biggest maritime mystery solved as MV Noongah's shipwreck found after 55 years When the divers first discovered the wreck on the sonar, they thought it to be a fishing boat. But when two of their divers were gone for almost two hours for what was supposed to be a quick dive, they knew they had found something interesting. The team encountered over 100 bottles of champagne and clay bottles of mineral water. While the champagne seemed more valuable, it was the mineral water that was more precious according to Baltictech. "Its value was so precious that transports were escorted by the police," the statement by Baltictech said. In older days, mineral water only reached the royals and was almost treated like medicine. The water bottles had the seal of Selters, a highly regarded German brand in those days which still exists today. The water comes from a mineral spring in the town of Selters, in Hesse, a central German state and has been bottled for more than 800 years. Also Read | Labourer finds diamond worth $95,000 in India's Panna city: 'I knew I had found a diamond' "Thanks to the shape of the stamp and with historians' help, we know that our shipment was produced between 1850-1867. Interestingly, the pottery factory into which the water was bottled also exists, and we are in contact with them to find out more details," said Stachura. The divers have informed the Swedish authorities about their finds, located about 20 nautical miles south of Öland, a Swedish island. However, Stachura said that the extraction of the bottles could take some time due to administrative restrictions. “It had been lying there for 170 years, so let it lie there for one more year, and we will have time to better prepare for the operation,” he said. Stachura told the BBC that the shipment could have been transported to Tsar Nicholas I, the Russian emperor, who is reported to have lost a ship in the same area during that time. (With inputs from agencies)

19th-century shipwreck discovered loaded with over 100 champagne bottles and valuable mineral water

Poland President Andrzej Duda met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Monday for talks on Ukraine peace and expanding bilateral trade on a visit to Beijing. Watch in for more details!

Polish President Andrzej Duda holds talks with Chinese President

A Polish couple and their seven children, who were killed by Nazis during Second World War for hiding Jews in order to save them, were beatified on Sunday. This marked the first time an entire family was given Catholicism's highest honours.

The ceremony took place in Markowa, the family's hometown in south-west Poland. It was led by Papal envoy Cardinal Marcello Semeraro and was attended by thousands, including the president and prime minister, bishops, priests, the country's chief rabbi and an Israeli delegation.

Pope Francis himself commended the family and prayed for them.

"May this Polish family, who represented a ray of light in the darkness of the Second World War, be for us all a model to imitate in the impulse of goodness, in the service of those in need," Pope Francis said on Sunday. &nbsp;

On March 24, 1944, the German police shot dead Jozef Ulma and his wife Wiktoria, who was seven months pregnant and even partially gave birth during execution.

Their children, Stanislawa, Barbara, Wladyslav, Franciszek, Antoni and Maria, aged between two and eight, were killed too, along with the eight Jews the family had been hiding in the attic.&nbsp;

The eight -- Shaul Goldmann and his five children, including his daughter Lea Didner and her five-year-old daughter, and Golda Gruenfeld -- were also shot, before the family farmhouse was looted and set on fire.&nbsp;

Vatican News said that the police fired into the attic from below "and the blood of the victims began to drip from the ceiling... onto a photograph of two Jewish woman lying on a table below"

That photograph "has been preserved as a 'relic'", it said.&nbsp;

Italian journalist Manuela Tulli told AFP that the massacre followed "a story of love and friendship".&nbsp;

"When the Jews asked for help, they opened their doors. They lived together for a year and a half, cooking and eating together,"&nbsp;Tulli told AFP.&nbsp;

Jozef Ulma was a farmer but also a keen photographer.

The Ulma family are the first ever to be beatified, a key step on a possible path to sainthood in the Catholic Church. &nbsp;

And in a rare move, the Ulmas' newborn seventh child also earned the title of "blessed".&nbsp;

The child was eligible for beatification through the concept of "baptism of blood", having been born "at the time of the mother's martyrdom", according to the Vatican's department for saints.&nbsp;

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A Polish couple and their seven children, who were killed by Nazis during Second World War for hiding Jews in order to save them, were beatified on Sunday. This marked the first time an entire family was given Catholicism's highest honours.

A Polish couple and their seven children, who were killed by Nazis during Second World War for hiding Jews in order to save them, were beatified on Sunday. This marked the first time an entire family was given Catholicism's highest honours. The ceremony took place in Markowa, the family's hometown in south-west Poland. It was led by Papal envoy Cardinal Marcello Semeraro and was attended by thousands, including the president and prime minister, bishops, priests, the country's chief rabbi and an Israeli delegation. Pope Francis himself commended the family and prayed for them. "May this Polish family, who represented a ray of light in the darkness of the Second World War, be for us all a model to imitate in the impulse of goodness, in the service of those in need," Pope Francis said on Sunday.  On March 24, 1944, the German police shot dead Jozef Ulma and his wife Wiktoria, who was seven months pregnant and even partially gave birth during execution. Their children, Stanislawa, Barbara, Wladyslav, Franciszek, Antoni and Maria, aged between two and eight, were killed too, along with the eight Jews the family had been hiding in the attic. The eight -- Shaul Goldmann and his five children, including his daughter Lea Didner and her five-year-old daughter, and Golda Gruenfeld -- were also shot, before the family farmhouse was looted and set on fire. Vatican News said that the police fired into the attic from below "and the blood of the victims began to drip from the ceiling... onto a photograph of two Jewish woman lying on a table below" That photograph "has been preserved as a 'relic'", it said. Italian journalist Manuela Tulli told AFP that the massacre followed "a story of love and friendship". "When the Jews asked for help, they opened their doors. They lived together for a year and a half, cooking and eating together," Tulli told AFP. Jozef Ulma was a farmer but also a keen photographer. The Ulma family are the first ever to be beatified, a key step on a possible path to sainthood in the Catholic Church.  And in a rare move, the Ulmas' newborn seventh child also earned the title of "blessed". The child was eligible for beatification through the concept of "baptism of blood", having been born "at the time of the mother's martyrdom", according to the Vatican's department for saints. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Polish family killed by Nazis for saving Jews beatified by Catholic Church

Polish authorities said Saturday they are investigating an apparent hacking attack on the national railway communications network which destabilised overnight traffic in the country's northwest.

Poland investigates hacking attack on state railway network

Poland’s defense minister said on Thursday that the army was aware of a possible missile heading toward the country in December but failed to inform the government.

Polish minister: Army failed to inform govt about missile heading toward territories

Although it first sounded like a New Zealand product, Kiwi boot polish was actually an Australian one that was started in a two-room Melbourne factory. According to Te Ara Encyclopedia, the company's founder William Ramsay gave the name Kiwi in honour of his wife Annie, who was born in New Zealand. The shoe polish quickly established itself as a staple in cities all over the world thanks to its distinctive name and Kiwi bird logo. At its height, it was sold in 183 nations selling 250 million tins yearly.

<h2>Why Kiwi will not be sold in UK?</h2>

Company's current owner SC Johnson concluded it was no longer worthwhile to continue selling its polish in the UK since the practise of British people cleaning their shoes has lost its lustre. According to a Kiwi representative, there has been a decline in Britons cleaning their shoes, which has been accompanied by an increase of casual shoes that don't need to be polished. In nations where formal shoe care "remains relevant," the company would continue to offer the items. Kiwi departure is a sign of the times, reported The New Zealand Herald quoting David James, 62, whose family's shoe repair and cleaning business started in Central London 100 years ago.

“In part, this is because people wear suits and smart shoes much less. Covid accelerated that with more working from home, but a trend was in place before then,” he was quoted as saying. “Also trainers are being worn more and more, even to work. While shoes are dying, trainers are alive. We now renovate sneakers, repair and paint them.”

<h2>History of Kiwi boot polish&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

After starting in 1906, Kiwi shoe polish was introduced to Europe two years later. Te Ara said that imperial soldiers made extensive use of it while at the battle. Sara Lee Corporation acquired the company in 1984, and then in 2011, it was sold to SC Johnson. Reports state that the present owners intend to concentrate on the company's assortment of other items. Here in New Zealand, big retailers including The Warehouse still carry Kiwi shoe polish.

Although it first sounded like a New Zealand product, Kiwi boot polish was actually an Australian one that was started in a two-room Melbourne factory. According to Te Ara Encyclopedia, the company's founder William Ramsay gave the name Kiwi in honour of his wife Annie, who was born in New Zealand.

Although it first sounded like a New Zealand product, Kiwi boot polish was actually an Australian one that was started in a two-room Melbourne factory. According to Te Ara Encyclopedia, the company's founder William Ramsay gave the name Kiwi in honour of his wife Annie, who was born in New Zealand. The shoe polish quickly established itself as a staple in cities all over the world thanks to its distinctive name and Kiwi bird logo. At its height, it was sold in 183 nations selling 250 million tins yearly. Why Kiwi will not be sold in UK? Company's current owner SC Johnson concluded it was no longer worthwhile to continue selling its polish in the UK since the practise of British people cleaning their shoes has lost its lustre. According to a Kiwi representative, there has been a decline in Britons cleaning their shoes, which has been accompanied by an increase of casual shoes that don't need to be polished. In nations where formal shoe care "remains relevant," the company would continue to offer the items. Kiwi departure is a sign of the times, reported The New Zealand Herald quoting David James, 62, whose family's shoe repair and cleaning business started in Central London 100 years ago. “In part, this is because people wear suits and smart shoes much less. Covid accelerated that with more working from home, but a trend was in place before then,” he was quoted as saying. “Also trainers are being worn more and more, even to work. While shoes are dying, trainers are alive. We now renovate sneakers, repair and paint them.” History of Kiwi boot polish After starting in 1906, Kiwi shoe polish was introduced to Europe two years later. Te Ara said that imperial soldiers made extensive use of it while at the battle. Sara Lee Corporation acquired the company in 1984, and then in 2011, it was sold to SC Johnson. Reports state that the present owners intend to concentrate on the company's assortment of other items. Here in New Zealand, big retailers including The Warehouse still carry Kiwi shoe polish.

World-famous Kiwi boot polish will not be sold in UK, check why

Russian authorities have removed a Polish flag from a memorial commemorating the thousands of Poles killed by the Soviet Union, amid heightened tensions between Moscow and Warsaw over the Ukraine conflict.

Historians and visitors to the Katyn memorial in western Russia's Smolensk region noted the flag's disappearance on social media on Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pioneering-russian-journalist-sells-nobel-peace-medal-for-ukraine-489394">Pioneering Russian journalist sells Nobel Peace medal for Ukraine</a>

The mayor of Smolensk city confirmed the removal on Friday evening, publishing a photo showing the Russian flag flying alone at the memorial's entrance.

"There cannot be Polish flags on Russian monuments. Even less so after the frankly anti-Russian comments by Polish political leaders," Andrei Borisov said on social media platform VKontakte.

"The culture ministry of the Russian Federation made the right decision by removing the Polish flag. Katyn is a Russian memorial."

The decision to take down the flag comes as tensions between Russia and Poland have spiked since Moscow launched its military operation in neighbouring Ukraine in February.

Watch |&nbsp;Former Soviet Union World War 2 soldier lashes out at Russia for destroying his home in Ukraine

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Poland, a member of NATO and the European Union, has vocally supported Ukraine diplomatically and by supplying it with weapons.

The country has also hosted by far the largest number of Ukrainian refugees within the bloc -- more than 1.1 million according to the latest UN figures.

The Katyn memorial was erected in memory of the 25,000 Poles, mostly army officers deemed anti-communist, massacred by the Soviet Union's political police in a forest near Smolensk in 1940 on the orders of Joseph Stalin.

The Soviet Union had long denied responsibility for the killings, accusing the Nazis of the crime, before admitting the truth in 1990.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-pranksters-trick-jk-rowling-by-posing-as-ukrainian-president-zelensky-488975">Russian pranksters trick JK Rowling by posing as Ukrainian President Zelensky</a>

The episode poisoned relations between Russia and Poland.

In 2010, a Smolensk-bound plane carrying the Polish president crashed, killing its 96 passengers. The investigation into the incident became another source of tension after the countries tried to improve their ties.

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Russian authorities have removed a Polish flag from a memorial commemorating the thousands of Poles killed by the Soviet Union, amid heightened tensions between Moscow and Warsaw over the Ukraine conflict.

Russian authorities have removed a Polish flag from a memorial commemorating the thousands of Poles killed by the Soviet Union, amid heightened tensions between Moscow and Warsaw over the Ukraine conflict. Historians and visitors to the Katyn memorial in western Russia's Smolensk region noted the flag's disappearance on social media on Friday. Also read | Pioneering Russian journalist sells Nobel Peace medal for Ukraine The mayor of Smolensk city confirmed the removal on Friday evening, publishing a photo showing the Russian flag flying alone at the memorial's entrance. "There cannot be Polish flags on Russian monuments. Even less so after the frankly anti-Russian comments by Polish political leaders," Andrei Borisov said on social media platform VKontakte. "The culture ministry of the Russian Federation made the right decision by removing the Polish flag. Katyn is a Russian memorial." The decision to take down the flag comes as tensions between Russia and Poland have spiked since Moscow launched its military operation in neighbouring Ukraine in February. Watch | Former Soviet Union World War 2 soldier lashes out at Russia for destroying his home in Ukraine Poland, a member of NATO and the European Union, has vocally supported Ukraine diplomatically and by supplying it with weapons. The country has also hosted by far the largest number of Ukrainian refugees within the bloc -- more than 1.1 million according to the latest UN figures. The Katyn memorial was erected in memory of the 25,000 Poles, mostly army officers deemed anti-communist, massacred by the Soviet Union's political police in a forest near Smolensk in 1940 on the orders of Joseph Stalin. The Soviet Union had long denied responsibility for the killings, accusing the Nazis of the crime, before admitting the truth in 1990. Also read | Russian pranksters trick JK Rowling by posing as Ukrainian President Zelensky The episode poisoned relations between Russia and Poland. In 2010, a Smolensk-bound plane carrying the Polish president crashed, killing its 96 passengers. The investigation into the incident became another source of tension after the countries tried to improve their ties. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia removes Polish flag from Soviet massacre memorial

Iga Swiatek moved up to the top of the WTA rankings on Monday, becoming the first tennis player from Poland to be ranked number one in the sport.

20-year-old Swiatek takes over from Ashleigh Barty, following the Australian's shock retirement when last month the three-time grand slam winner announced she would be leaving the sport at 25-years-old, having spent more than two years as world #1.

After beating Naomi Osaka to win the Miami Open title on Saturday, Swiatek moved onto a 17-match winning streak having already won Indian Wells a week earlier, and the Qatar Open in Doha in February. 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/korea-open-malvika-bansod-beats-chinas-hue-yan-in-a-thriller-to-enter-second-round-468569">Korea Open: Malvika Bansod emerges on top of China's Hue Yan in a thriller to enter second round</a>

In doing so the Pole has also become the first female player to win the first three WTA 1,000 events of the year.

The clay-court season gets underway this week and Swiatek will be targeting a second French Open title in June, having won her maiden grand slam at Roland Garros in 2020.

Iga Swiatek moved up to the top of the WTA rankings on Monday, becoming the first tennis player from Poland to be ranked number one in the sport. 20-year-old Swiatek takes over from Ashleigh Barty, following the Australian's shock retirement when last month the three-time grand slam winner announced she would be leaving the sport at 25-years-old, having spent more than two years as world #1.

Iga Swiatek moved up to the top of the WTA rankings on Monday, becoming the first tennis player from Poland to be ranked number one in the sport. 20-year-old Swiatek takes over from Ashleigh Barty, following the Australian's shock retirement when last month the three-time grand slam winner announced she would be leaving the sport at 25-years-old, having spent more than two years as world #1. After beating Naomi Osaka to win the Miami Open title on Saturday, Swiatek moved onto a 17-match winning streak having already won Indian Wells a week earlier, and the Qatar Open in Doha in February. ALSO READ: Korea Open: Malvika Bansod emerges on top of China's Hue Yan in a thriller to enter second round In doing so the Pole has also become the first female player to win the first three WTA 1,000 events of the year. The clay-court season gets underway this week and Swiatek will be targeting a second French Open title in June, having won her maiden grand slam at Roland Garros in 2020.

Iga Swiatek creates history, becomes first tennis player from Poland to reach world No. 1

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has forced several people to flee the invasion with ‘practically’ nothing. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In this difficult time, several people in the Polish communities on the border have looked to help the refugees in a heart-warming way. &nbsp;

These people have filled the area at Przemyśl station, which is the first train stop for refugees, who enter Poland via the Medyka border crossing, with jackets, toys, stuffed animals, strollers, carriers, diapers and even walkers for the elderly. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/laughable-us-denies-russian-accusations-of-biowarfare-labs-in-ukraine-460758" hreflang="en">'Laughable': US denies Russian accusations of biowarfare labs in Ukraine</a>

With this gesture, the refugees are getting greeted with the things of basic needs just at the moment they step off the train onto the platform at the station. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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This is the Przemysl railway station in Poland where thousands of Ukrainians are arriving from across the border. Polish people are welcoming them with open arms. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UkraineRussiaWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UkraineRussiaWar</a> <a href="https://t.co/ylAHYOBqzd">pic.twitter.com/ylAHYOBqzd</a>
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Several of these refugees have entered Poland to safeguard their lives but road ahead may not be an easy task. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This noble initiative by several Polish citizens seems to have been greatly comforting for the refugees. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-condemns-airstrike-at-childrens-hospital-in-ukraine-zelensky-describes-it-as-war-crime-460757">US slams strike at kids' hospital in Ukraine; Zelensky calls it 'war crime'</a>

It will help to alleviate some stress and emotions attached to fleeing the fighting in Ukraine and is definitely going to bring a smile on their faces. &nbsp;

Not just this, several people are also offering rides to refugees to different places across Europe. Volunteers are also helping them in finding a place to stay. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has forced several people to flee the invasion with ‘practically’ nothing. In this difficult time, several people in the Polish communities on the border have looked to help the refugees in a heart-warming way.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has forced several people to flee the invasion with ‘practically’ nothing. In this difficult time, several people in the Polish communities on the border have looked to help the refugees in a heart-warming way. These people have filled the area at Przemyśl station, which is the first train stop for refugees, who enter Poland via the Medyka border crossing, with jackets, toys, stuffed animals, strollers, carriers, diapers and even walkers for the elderly. Also Read | 'Laughable': US denies Russian accusations of biowarfare labs in Ukraine With this gesture, the refugees are getting greeted with the things of basic needs just at the moment they step off the train onto the platform at the station. This is the Przemysl railway station in Poland where thousands of Ukrainians are arriving from across the border. Polish people are welcoming them with open arms. #UkraineRussiaWar pic.twitter.com/ylAHYOBqzd — Ankita Jain (@Ankita20200) March 6, 2022 × Several of these refugees have entered Poland to safeguard their lives but road ahead may not be an easy task. This noble initiative by several Polish citizens seems to have been greatly comforting for the refugees. Also Read: US slams strike at kids' hospital in Ukraine; Zelensky calls it 'war crime' It will help to alleviate some stress and emotions attached to fleeing the fighting in Ukraine and is definitely going to bring a smile on their faces. Not just this, several people are also offering rides to refugees to different places across Europe. Volunteers are also helping them in finding a place to stay. (With inputs from agencies)

In a heart-warming gesture, Polish citizens leave essentials at border for Ukrainian refugees

UK and Polish Prime Ministers are holding a joint press conference on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, listen in.

UK and Polish PMs hold joint presser on Russian invasion of Ukraine

A Polish veterinary student is using his entire university scholarship to develop a method for printing 3D, individually-fitted prostheses for lame dogs. His first patient is 4-year-old Sonia, who was disabled in an accident at just eight months old.

Student 3D prosthesis legs for limbless dogs

The organisers of an annual far-right march in Warsaw to mark Poland's Independence Day said on Friday they would walk along their traditional route this year despite a ban from the town hall and losing a court appeal.

The event, held annually on November&nbsp;11, has become a point of friction between far-right groups and supporters of the nationalist government of Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on one side, and their liberal opponents, including the Warsaw city hall, on the other.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-poland-spat-polish-pm-accuses-eu-of-blackmail-422078">EU-Poland spat: Polish PM accuses EU of 'blackmail'</a>

The association that organises the march has asked for it to be registered as a cyclical event, which would give it priority over other demonstrations. They were granted this status by the regional governor, but the decision was struck down twice in court this week.

"The Appeals Court in Warsaw upheld the decision of the court of first instance revoking the region's consent to organise the Independence March as a cyclical assembly," the Warsaw city hall said in a statement.

also said a previously registered assembly is planned on the same spot, so a second event of this type cannot be organised at the same place and time.

"If the nationalists congregate on November 11, it will be an unlawful assembly," Warsaw mayor Rafal Trzaskowski wrote on Twitter.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-leaders-lambast-poland-over-its-challenge-to-union-422885">&nbsp;EU leaders lambast Poland over its challenge to union</a>

The organisers said they would go ahead with the march and would not change its route. 
Spokespersons for the government and Poland's ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) did not respond to requests for comment.

Last year far-right sympathisers clashed with police at the end of a march that took place in defiance of pandemic restrictions. Planned as a drive through the capital, the event took a different form as thousands of people marched on foot through central Warsaw in addition to those driving.

The organisers of an annual far-right march in Warsaw to mark Poland's Independence Day said on Friday they would walk along their traditional route this year despite a ban from the town hall and losing a court appeal.

The organisers of an annual far-right march in Warsaw to mark Poland's Independence Day said on Friday they would walk along their traditional route this year despite a ban from the town hall and losing a court appeal. The event, held annually on November 11, has become a point of friction between far-right groups and supporters of the nationalist government of Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on one side, and their liberal opponents, including the Warsaw city hall, on the other. Also Read | EU-Poland spat: Polish PM accuses EU of 'blackmail' The association that organises the march has asked for it to be registered as a cyclical event, which would give it priority over other demonstrations. They were granted this status by the regional governor, but the decision was struck down twice in court this week. "The Appeals Court in Warsaw upheld the decision of the court of first instance revoking the region's consent to organise the Independence March as a cyclical assembly," the Warsaw city hall said in a statement. also said a previously registered assembly is planned on the same spot, so a second event of this type cannot be organised at the same place and time. "If the nationalists congregate on November 11, it will be an unlawful assembly," Warsaw mayor Rafal Trzaskowski wrote on Twitter. Also Read | EU leaders lambast Poland over its challenge to union The organisers said they would go ahead with the march and would not change its route. Spokespersons for the government and Poland's ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) did not respond to requests for comment. Last year far-right sympathisers clashed with police at the end of a march that took place in defiance of pandemic restrictions. Planned as a drive through the capital, the event took a different form as thousands of people marched on foot through central Warsaw in addition to those driving.

Polish far-right say they will march on Independence Day despite ban

Polish MPs on Wednesday voted in favour of a new law that critics say will curb media freedom and hit ties with the United States, but the ruling coalition also lost several key votes, putting its long-term future in doubt.

The media law would prevent companies from outside the European Economic Area from holding a controlling stake in Polish media companies.

That would force US group Discovery to sell its majority stake in TVN, one of&nbsp;Poland's biggest private TV networks whose news channel TVN24 is often highly critical of the government.

The ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party says the law is needed to stop hostile foreign powers from taking control of powerful broadcasters and is in line with rules in other European countries.

But critics say it opens a path for a state-controlled company to take control of TVN, following a takeover of the regional newspaper group Polska Press by state energy giant PKN Orlen.

TVN urged the Senate and the president to reject the law, labelling the vote "an unprecedented attack on freedom of expression and media independence".

The vote came during a stormy session of parliament that at one point was interrupted when MPs approved an opposition motion to suspend proceedings to delay the media law vote.

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In the end, the session resumed and the media law passed by 228 votes in favour and 216 against in the 460-seat lower house of parliament.

Thousands of people took to the streets in rallies across&nbsp;Poland&nbsp;on Tuesday over the draft law.

The United States is "deeply troubled" by the draft legislation, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, warning that it "threatens media freedom and could undermine&nbsp;Poland's strong investment climate".

'Fraudsters! Fraudsters!'

Earlier in the parliamentary session, the government lost four key votes, a day after a junior partner walked out of the governing coalition led by PiS.

In one of the votes, MPs voted by 229 to 227 to suspend the session to postpone a vote on the media law.

But speaker Elzbieta Witek, a PiS member, ordered another vote, which the government won by 230 to 225 to resume proceedings despite howls of outrage from the opposition.

"Fraudsters! Fraudsters!" the MPs chanted, accusing the government of buying support to win the vote.

"The parliamentary majority, glued together with the mud of corruption and blackmail, is crumbling before our eyes," tweeted former EU chief Donald Tusk, who heads up the opposition Civic Platform.

"It may go on for a while but it is no longer able to govern."

The lost votes do not mean that the government will collapse, as a formal vote of no confidence would be need for that to happen, and PiS could potentially continue as a minority government.

But commentators have said a minority government would be difficult to sustain long-term as it would have to rely on the far-right Confederation party, which is highly critical of the government.

The next elections are scheduled for 2023.

The United Right coalition, which is dominated by the PiS, has governed&nbsp;Poland&nbsp;since 2015.

It has been accused by the European Union of rolling back democratic freedoms but is still popular among many Poles, mainly for its social welfare reforms.

Polish MPs on Wednesday voted in favour of a new law that critics say will curb media freedom and hit ties with the United States, but the ruling coalition also lost several key votes, putting its long-term future in doubt.

Polish MPs on Wednesday voted in favour of a new law that critics say will curb media freedom and hit ties with the United States, but the ruling coalition also lost several key votes, putting its long-term future in doubt. The media law would prevent companies from outside the European Economic Area from holding a controlling stake in Polish media companies. That would force US group Discovery to sell its majority stake in TVN, one of Poland's biggest private TV networks whose news channel TVN24 is often highly critical of the government. The ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party says the law is needed to stop hostile foreign powers from taking control of powerful broadcasters and is in line with rules in other European countries. But critics say it opens a path for a state-controlled company to take control of TVN, following a takeover of the regional newspaper group Polska Press by state energy giant PKN Orlen. TVN urged the Senate and the president to reject the law, labelling the vote "an unprecedented attack on freedom of expression and media independence". The vote came during a stormy session of parliament that at one point was interrupted when MPs approved an opposition motion to suspend proceedings to delay the media law vote. Also read | COVID-19 may become a mostly childhood disease in few years: Study In the end, the session resumed and the media law passed by 228 votes in favour and 216 against in the 460-seat lower house of parliament. Thousands of people took to the streets in rallies across Poland on Tuesday over the draft law. The United States is "deeply troubled" by the draft legislation, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, warning that it "threatens media freedom and could undermine Poland's strong investment climate". 'Fraudsters! Fraudsters!' Earlier in the parliamentary session, the government lost four key votes, a day after a junior partner walked out of the governing coalition led by PiS. In one of the votes, MPs voted by 229 to 227 to suspend the session to postpone a vote on the media law. But speaker Elzbieta Witek, a PiS member, ordered another vote, which the government won by 230 to 225 to resume proceedings despite howls of outrage from the opposition. "Fraudsters! Fraudsters!" the MPs chanted, accusing the government of buying support to win the vote. "The parliamentary majority, glued together with the mud of corruption and blackmail, is crumbling before our eyes," tweeted former EU chief Donald Tusk, who heads up the opposition Civic Platform. "It may go on for a while but it is no longer able to govern." The lost votes do not mean that the government will collapse, as a formal vote of no confidence would be need for that to happen, and PiS could potentially continue as a minority government. But commentators have said a minority government would be difficult to sustain long-term as it would have to rely on the far-right Confederation party, which is highly critical of the government. The next elections are scheduled for 2023. The United Right coalition, which is dominated by the PiS, has governed Poland since 2015. It has been accused by the European Union of rolling back democratic freedoms but is still popular among many Poles, mainly for its social welfare reforms.

Polish MPs approve controversial media law but government wobbles

The EU's Court of Justice on Thursday ruled that a central part of Poland's judicial reforms was "not compatible" with the law, escalating a standoff that could trigger financial penalties.

"Poland has failed to fulfil its obligations under EU law," the court said in its ruling on a contested reform concerning disciplinary cases involving judges in Poland.

"Where the court finds that there has been a failure to fulfil obligations, the member state concerned must take the measures necessary to rectify the situation," it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-against-polands-plan-to-discipline-judges-274146">Thousands protest against Poland's plan to discipline judges</a>

Warsaw and Brussels have been at loggerheads for years over reforms pushed through by the&nbsp;Polish&nbsp;government, which is led by the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party.

The&nbsp;Polish&nbsp;law on reforming the judiciary, which came into force in February last year, prevents judges from referring questions of law to the European Court of Justice.

It set up a "disciplinary chamber" to oversee&nbsp;Polish&nbsp;judges, with the power to lift their immunity to expose them to criminal proceedings or cut their salaries.

The EU court ruling comes a day after the same court ordered Poland to cease all activities of the "disciplinary chamber".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-launches-legal-action-against-hungary-poland-over-lgbtq-rights-398260">EU launches legal action against Hungary, Poland over LGBTQ rights</a>

If Poland fails to comply, it could face financial penalties.

Government spokesman Piotr Muller told public broadcaster TVP1 on Thursday that with its rulings, the European court was "attempting to acquire the competences of the member states" on judicial matters.

"It's an attempt to give EU institutions competences beyond what they have been granted in the treaties," he said.

The government argues the reforms are necessary to tackle corruption and end Communist-era legacies in the judiciary.

But the European Commission says they undermine rule of law and has sought to bring Poland, as well as Hungary, back into line with what it sees as European democratic norms.

Poland's Constitutional Court on Wednesday defied Brussels with its own ruling saying that any interim measures from the EU court against Poland's judicial reforms were "not in line" with the&nbsp;Polish&nbsp;constitution.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-is-becoming-undemocratic-warns-human-rights-chief-who-was-recently-ordered-to-quit-381943">Poland is becoming 'undemocratic', warns human rights chief who was recently ordered to quit</a>

Government critics said that ruling constituted a departure from the EU's legal order, dubbing it a kind of "Polexit".

Former EU chief Donald Tusk, head of the opposition Civic Platform party, accused PiS of "leaving the EU".

"Only we Poles can successfully oppose this," he tweeted.

The EU's Court of Justice on Thursday ruled that a central part of Poland's judicial reforms was "not compatible" with the law, escalating a standoff that could trigger financial penalties.

The EU's Court of Justice on Thursday ruled that a central part of Poland's judicial reforms was "not compatible" with the law, escalating a standoff that could trigger financial penalties. "Poland has failed to fulfil its obligations under EU law," the court said in its ruling on a contested reform concerning disciplinary cases involving judges in Poland. "Where the court finds that there has been a failure to fulfil obligations, the member state concerned must take the measures necessary to rectify the situation," it said. Also read | Thousands protest against Poland's plan to discipline judges Warsaw and Brussels have been at loggerheads for years over reforms pushed through by the Polish government, which is led by the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party. The Polish law on reforming the judiciary, which came into force in February last year, prevents judges from referring questions of law to the European Court of Justice. It set up a "disciplinary chamber" to oversee Polish judges, with the power to lift their immunity to expose them to criminal proceedings or cut their salaries. The EU court ruling comes a day after the same court ordered Poland to cease all activities of the "disciplinary chamber". Also read | EU launches legal action against Hungary, Poland over LGBTQ rights If Poland fails to comply, it could face financial penalties. Government spokesman Piotr Muller told public broadcaster TVP1 on Thursday that with its rulings, the European court was "attempting to acquire the competences of the member states" on judicial matters. "It's an attempt to give EU institutions competences beyond what they have been granted in the treaties," he said. The government argues the reforms are necessary to tackle corruption and end Communist-era legacies in the judiciary. But the European Commission says they undermine rule of law and has sought to bring Poland, as well as Hungary, back into line with what it sees as European democratic norms. Poland's Constitutional Court on Wednesday defied Brussels with its own ruling saying that any interim measures from the EU court against Poland's judicial reforms were "not in line" with the Polish constitution. Also read | Poland is becoming 'undemocratic', warns human rights chief who was recently ordered to quit Government critics said that ruling constituted a departure from the EU's legal order, dubbing it a kind of "Polexit". Former EU chief Donald Tusk, head of the opposition Civic Platform party, accused PiS of "leaving the EU". "Only we Poles can successfully oppose this," he tweeted.

Polish judicial reform 'not compatible' with EU law, court rules

Poland and the Czech Republic are finalising an agreement that should end a legal dispute over the environmental impact of a Polish open pit coal mine close to the border between the two countries, a Polish government spokesman said on Tuesday. 
 
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said earlier the Czech government had agreed to withdraw its lawsuit over the Turow mine, only for his Czech counterpart Andrej Babis to say Prague was continuing with the legal case. 
 
"Yesterday, a team meeting was held, during which the framework of the agreement between Poland and the Czech Republic was established," Polish government spokesman Piotr Muller wrote on Twitter. 
 
"The complaint is to be withdrawn after the final agreement is signed." 
 
A Czech government source said the lawsuit could be withdrawn once Warsaw met conditions agreed between Morawiecki and Babis. The person did not elaborate on what they are. 
 
On Friday, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ordered Poland to immediately stop mining at the site operated by Polish state-run company PGE, pending a final decision in the case brought by the Czechs. 
 
The Czech government had argued a planned expansion of the mine was environmentally damaging for communities on its side of the border, and that Warsaw had violated EU law by extending mining at Turow until 2026. 
 
Environmental groups and Czechs living close to the border had complained drinking water supplies had been affected by the mine and that they had suffered from noise, dust and subsidence. 
 
Morawiecki told reporters at an EU summit in Brussels that Poland would finance projects worth up to 45 million euros ($55 million) to help prevent the loss of groundwater across the border caused by the mine. 
 
Poland would also build screens to stop dust particles from polluting the air in the Czech Republic. 
 
The two countries would also set up a committee of experts to determine the environmental impact of the mine. 
 
"As a result of this plan, we will be able to say that the whole matter is closed and the power plant and the mine will continue to work," Morawiecki said.

Poland and the Czech Republic are finalising an agreement that should end a legal dispute over the environmental impact of a Polish open pit coal mine close to the border between the two countries, a Polish government spokesman said on Tuesday.

Poland and the Czech Republic are finalising an agreement that should end a legal dispute over the environmental impact of a Polish open pit coal mine close to the border between the two countries, a Polish government spokesman said on Tuesday. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said earlier the Czech government had agreed to withdraw its lawsuit over the Turow mine, only for his Czech counterpart Andrej Babis to say Prague was continuing with the legal case. "Yesterday, a team meeting was held, during which the framework of the agreement between Poland and the Czech Republic was established," Polish government spokesman Piotr Muller wrote on Twitter. "The complaint is to be withdrawn after the final agreement is signed." A Czech government source said the lawsuit could be withdrawn once Warsaw met conditions agreed between Morawiecki and Babis. The person did not elaborate on what they are. On Friday, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ordered Poland to immediately stop mining at the site operated by Polish state-run company PGE, pending a final decision in the case brought by the Czechs. The Czech government had argued a planned expansion of the mine was environmentally damaging for communities on its side of the border, and that Warsaw had violated EU law by extending mining at Turow until 2026. Environmental groups and Czechs living close to the border had complained drinking water supplies had been affected by the mine and that they had suffered from noise, dust and subsidence. Morawiecki told reporters at an EU summit in Brussels that Poland would finance projects worth up to 45 million euros ($55 million) to help prevent the loss of groundwater across the border caused by the mine. Poland would also build screens to stop dust particles from polluting the air in the Czech Republic. The two countries would also set up a committee of experts to determine the environmental impact of the mine. "As a result of this plan, we will be able to say that the whole matter is closed and the power plant and the mine will continue to work," Morawiecki said.

Poland says finalising deal with Czechs to end mine dispute

Polish barber Kinga Rutkowska is one of thousands who have taken to the streets across Poland for seven consecutive days to join a national protest against further abortion restrictions.

Polish barber shuts shop to protest against abortion restrictions

A member of radical feminist group Femen staged a naked&nbsp;protest outside the Polish embassy in Kiev on Monday against a near-total ban on abortion in the EU country.

The English words "My body is my choice" were scrawled on her torso. She held coat hangers in her mouth, a protest symbol representing illegal abortions.

"Sisters to arms!" the woman chanted in Polish before being quickly arrested by police.

Later in the day several dozen activists gathered near the embassy for another demonstration in support of Polish women.

One of the women held a placard saying: "When the government decides to ban safe abortions women may decide to abort the government."

Last week Poland's constitutional court ruled that an existing law allowing the abortion of malformed foetuses was "incompatible" with the constitution.

The ruling has sparked protests against a near-total ban on abortion in a country that already has some of the EU's most stringent restrictions.

According to media reports, Ukraine's much more liberal policies make it one of the destinations for Polish women seeking abortions.

From now on, abortions in Poland will only be allowed in instances of rape or incest, or if there is a threat to the mother's life.

A member of radical feminist group Femen staged a naked protest outside the Polish embassy in Kiev on Monday against a near-total ban on abortion in the EU country.

A member of radical feminist group Femen staged a naked protest outside the Polish embassy in Kiev on Monday against a near-total ban on abortion in the EU country. The English words "My body is my choice" were scrawled on her torso. She held coat hangers in her mouth, a protest symbol representing illegal abortions. "Sisters to arms!" the woman chanted in Polish before being quickly arrested by police. Later in the day several dozen activists gathered near the embassy for another demonstration in support of Polish women. One of the women held a placard saying: "When the government decides to ban safe abortions women may decide to abort the government." Last week Poland's constitutional court ruled that an existing law allowing the abortion of malformed foetuses was "incompatible" with the constitution. The ruling has sparked protests against a near-total ban on abortion in a country that already has some of the EU's most stringent restrictions. According to media reports, Ukraine's much more liberal policies make it one of the destinations for Polish women seeking abortions. From now on, abortions in Poland will only be allowed in instances of rape or incest, or if there is a threat to the mother's life.

Ukraine activist in nude protest against Polish abortion ban

Poland is known for its enthusiasm in sports but here are few fans in the country who went beyond their way to support their favourite racing team.&nbsp;

These fans rented 18 cranes to watch the game while following the norms of social distancing due to coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

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They had come to support team Motor Lublin who was up against team GKM Grudziaz at local track racing event last week. 
&nbsp; 
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only a few seats were made available for spectators in the stadium. So these fans rented these cranes to watch the event and support their team.&nbsp;

Pictures and videos of the fans standing on the cranes to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the game made rounds on social media. In pictures, you can see cranes standing outside the stadium carrying fans in a group of four. These fans were seen chanting and setting off flares as Motor Lublin defeated the visiting team by 58-32.&nbsp;

Poland is known for its enthusiasm in sports but here are few fans in the country who went beyond their way to support their favourite racing team. These fans rented 18 cranes to watch the game while following the norms of social distancing due to coronavirus pandemic.

Poland is known for its enthusiasm in sports but here are few fans in the country who went beyond their way to support their favourite racing team. These fans rented 18 cranes to watch the game while following the norms of social distancing due to coronavirus pandemic. pic.twitter.com/t3tvwsMzcv — Motor Lublin (@motorlublinpgee) July 20, 2020 × They had come to support team Motor Lublin who was up against team GKM Grudziaz at local track racing event last week. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only a few seats were made available for spectators in the stadium. So these fans rented these cranes to watch the event and support their team. Pictures and videos of the fans standing on the cranes to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the game made rounds on social media. In pictures, you can see cranes standing outside the stadium carrying fans in a group of four. These fans were seen chanting and setting off flares as Motor Lublin defeated the visiting team by 58-32.

'Chants and flares': Polish fans rent cranes to cheer for racing team amid pandemic

Poland's main opposition group, the centre-right Civic Platform (PO), picked a party veteran known for building consensus on Saturday as its contender to unseat nationalist ally Andrzej Duda in a presidential election next year.

A former parliament speaker, Malgorzata Kidawa-Blonska, 62, is trailing Duda, 47, in opinion polls by a double-digit margin, but her party hopes she will be able to mobilise undecided voters at a time of deepening political polarisation in Poland.

"It is not easy to be in the centre in populist times," said Grzegorz Schetyna, the leader of Civic Platform, ahead of the party vote.

Poland's political landscape has shifted since the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) government came to power in 2015 after campaigning on a platform of generous welfare spending and nationalist rhetoric infused with Catholic piety.

While campaigning for several elections since then, including a parliamentary vote in October and a local election last year, the opposition has struggled to formulate a strong message to wrest support away from the PiS.

Political analysts say Kidawa-Blonska's advantage is that she appeals to centrist and conservative voters, and could also win over those who have not made a decision on who to back.

"She won't convince core PiS supporters, but she has a chance to convince the undecided," said Agnieszka Kwiatkowska, a sociologist at SWPS university.

Duda would win 46.2% of the vote, with Kidawa-Blonska trailing on 23.3%, according to a late-November poll by IBRiS for Polish daily Dziennik Gazeta Prawna and private radio RMF FM.

According to other polls, Wladyslaw Kosyniak-Kamysz from the agrarian Polish People's Party (PSL) and independent Szymon Holownia, a Catholic journalist and TV presenter, would get single-digit support.

Two other parties, The Left and the right-wing Confederation group, have yet to announce their candidates.

Poland's main opposition group, the centre-right Civic Platform (PO), picked a party veteran known for building consensus on Saturday as its contender to unseat nationalist ally Andrzej Duda in a presidential election next year.

Poland's main opposition group, the centre-right Civic Platform (PO), picked a party veteran known for building consensus on Saturday as its contender to unseat nationalist ally Andrzej Duda in a presidential election next year. A former parliament speaker, Malgorzata Kidawa-Blonska, 62, is trailing Duda, 47, in opinion polls by a double-digit margin, but her party hopes she will be able to mobilise undecided voters at a time of deepening political polarisation in Poland. "It is not easy to be in the centre in populist times," said Grzegorz Schetyna, the leader of Civic Platform, ahead of the party vote. Poland's political landscape has shifted since the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) government came to power in 2015 after campaigning on a platform of generous welfare spending and nationalist rhetoric infused with Catholic piety. While campaigning for several elections since then, including a parliamentary vote in October and a local election last year, the opposition has struggled to formulate a strong message to wrest support away from the PiS. Political analysts say Kidawa-Blonska's advantage is that she appeals to centrist and conservative voters, and could also win over those who have not made a decision on who to back. "She won't convince core PiS supporters, but she has a chance to convince the undecided," said Agnieszka Kwiatkowska, a sociologist at SWPS university. Duda would win 46.2% of the vote, with Kidawa-Blonska trailing on 23.3%, according to a late-November poll by IBRiS for Polish daily Dziennik Gazeta Prawna and private radio RMF FM. According to other polls, Wladyslaw Kosyniak-Kamysz from the agrarian Polish People's Party (PSL) and independent Szymon Holownia, a Catholic journalist and TV presenter, would get single-digit support. Two other parties, The Left and the right-wing Confederation group, have yet to announce their candidates.

Poland's main opposition picks moderate veteran for presidential vote

According to a police spokesman, a&nbsp;three-storey building in the resort&nbsp;of Szczyrk collapsed on Wednesday&nbsp;after a gas explosion, killing four people in Southern Poland.

The bodies of three adults and a child have been found in the rubble so far.

The spokesman added that&nbsp;up to eight people were in the premises, with firemen struggling to find other victims.

Up to 100 firemen and 50 police officers are on the scene, Polish state broadcaster TVP reported.

(With inputs from Reuters, further details awaited)

According to a police spokesman, a three-storey building in the resort of Szczyrk collapsed on Wednesday after a gas explosion, killing four people in Southern Poland.

According to a police spokesman, a three-storey building in the resort of Szczyrk collapsed on Wednesday after a gas explosion, killing four people in Southern Poland. The bodies of three adults and a child have been found in the rubble so far. The spokesman added that up to eight people were in the premises, with firemen struggling to find other victims. Up to 100 firemen and 50 police officers are on the scene, Polish state broadcaster TVP reported. (With inputs from Reuters, further details awaited)

Four including child dead in gas explosion at Polish ski resort

&nbsp;Thomas Cook's German tour business filed for insolvency on Wednesday in a move aimed at separating its brands and operations from its failed parent and said it was in talks with potential new investors.

"Intensive talks over the last two days with strategic and private equity investors have&nbsp;shown us that the German branches of former Thomas Cook with its brands Neckermann Reisen, Oeger Tours, and Bucher Reisen have the chance to have a future," Thomas Cook GmbH said in a statement.

Britain's Thomas Cook, the world's oldest travel firm, collapsed earlier this week, sparking the largest peacetime repatriation effort in British history and a scramble for survival among many of its subsidiaries.

The German government said on Tuesday it would guarantee a 380 million euro ($418 million) bridging loan for the group's German airline, Condor, to keep it flying.

Condor and Thomas Cook GmbH, the second-biggest tour operator in Germany after TUI, are both independent units of the insolvent British parent company.

Condor is also expected to undertake insolvency proceedings under self-administration to avoid being entangled in the winding up of the parent company's financial affairs.

Thomas Cook's Nordic arm, meantime, has said it is looking for new owners, while Polish unit Neckermann Polska said on Wednesday it was insolvent.

Thomas Cook GmbH said it had filed for insolvency in an attempt to restructure the business in an orderly fashion and continue profitable operations. It added that a German court could appoint a liquidator as soon as on Wednesday.

The business, which serves around three million customers a year, said it had been weighed down by the weakness of its British parent and the impact of Brexit on the German business.

But Stefanie Berk, the unit's head, said she was optimistic the business would survive.

"We owe this to our long-standing customers, committed employees and other partners who have supported us so much over the years and in the last difficult weeks," Berk said.

The German regional state of Hesse, which has provided help to Condor, said on Wednesday it stood ready to offer financial assistance to Thomas Cook GmbH and would discuss the matter with the federal government.

Trade union Verdi called for efforts to save the German business and its 2,000 employees, noting that thousands of travel agencies in the country were dependent on its survival.

Thomas Cook Austria, which belongs to the German unit, also filed for insolvency on Wednesday, with the aim of continuing in business.

Thomas Cook's German tour business filed for insolvency on Wednesday in a move aimed at separating its brands and operations from its failed parent and said it was in talks with potential new investors.

Thomas Cook's German tour business filed for insolvency on Wednesday in a move aimed at separating its brands and operations from its failed parent and said it was in talks with potential new investors. "Intensive talks over the last two days with strategic and private equity investors have shown us that the German branches of former Thomas Cook with its brands Neckermann Reisen, Oeger Tours, and Bucher Reisen have the chance to have a future," Thomas Cook GmbH said in a statement. Britain's Thomas Cook, the world's oldest travel firm, collapsed earlier this week, sparking the largest peacetime repatriation effort in British history and a scramble for survival among many of its subsidiaries. The German government said on Tuesday it would guarantee a 380 million euro ($418 million) bridging loan for the group's German airline, Condor, to keep it flying. Condor and Thomas Cook GmbH, the second-biggest tour operator in Germany after TUI, are both independent units of the insolvent British parent company. Condor is also expected to undertake insolvency proceedings under self-administration to avoid being entangled in the winding up of the parent company's financial affairs. Thomas Cook's Nordic arm, meantime, has said it is looking for new owners, while Polish unit Neckermann Polska said on Wednesday it was insolvent. Thomas Cook GmbH said it had filed for insolvency in an attempt to restructure the business in an orderly fashion and continue profitable operations. It added that a German court could appoint a liquidator as soon as on Wednesday. The business, which serves around three million customers a year, said it had been weighed down by the weakness of its British parent and the impact of Brexit on the German business. But Stefanie Berk, the unit's head, said she was optimistic the business would survive. "We owe this to our long-standing customers, committed employees and other partners who have supported us so much over the years and in the last difficult weeks," Berk said. The German regional state of Hesse, which has provided help to Condor, said on Wednesday it stood ready to offer financial assistance to Thomas Cook GmbH and would discuss the matter with the federal government. Trade union Verdi called for efforts to save the German business and its 2,000 employees, noting that thousands of travel agencies in the country were dependent on its survival. Thomas Cook Austria, which belongs to the German unit, also filed for insolvency on Wednesday, with the aim of continuing in business.

Thomas Cook Germany in rescue talks with investors

Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland Marcin Przydacz visited India in the first direct flight that will connect capitals of Poland and India i.e Warsaw and New Delhi directly after a gap of 25 years. He spoke to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal on how the direct flight will improve people to people connectivity, Bollywood and ongoing India-Pakistan tensions.&nbsp;

WION: How will the direct flight benefit the people of India and Poland?

Marcin Przydacz: There will be a greater impact on the relations between Poland and India, not only politically but also economically when it comes to tourism. Polish people are very interested in India, they have more and more money. This is not the first direct flight between Poland and Asia. There have been direct flights between China, Japan and Singapore. Very very important for tourist and also for businessmen.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;&nbsp;Is trade value between India-Poland&nbsp;far below its potential?

Marcin Przydacz: It is far below potential but not that bad. Our trade is $ 3 billion, so it is not that bad but we can do much more. We are interested also in what you can offer to Poland. We can discuss high tech, fin-tech, agriculture products and also cultural products. Bollywood is more and more popular in Poland. There were a couple of films that were done in Warsaw, our capital. That is also a possibility for further cooperation.

WION:&nbsp;India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited your country last month, how will it increase the political engagement?

Marcin Przydacz: That was a very important visit. The last visit of Indian foreign minister was 30 years ago. EAM visit was very important and has taken our relations at a higher level. He had a good talk with our deputy Prime minister and I really hope the result of this visit will take us to a higher level. We are working on a presidential visit. Our president will have a chance to visit very soon, that is why I am here for political dialogue at a higher level.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;Your take on the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions?

Marcin Przydacz: Well those tensions between India and Pakistan as a result of a change in status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir is a big concern for the whole international family. We as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council are also the concern of the situation. We are for a peaceful resolution, for dialogue and we like EU think, it will have to solve bilaterally, you have to discuss and find a way on how to solve the situation.

WION:&nbsp;You will visit Kolhapur in Maharashtra, a city that hosted many Polish refugees during World War 2 as Nazis attacked Poland.

Marcin Przydacz: Our friendly ties are deeply rooted in history and good foundation of ties are based on generosity by Indian society during World War 2, when your people invited our refugees who were forcibly taken to Siberia, Russia and were able to escape but they didn't have the chance to go back home, so they came to India and they were hosted here. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, there were camps for 5000 Polish people. Generosity by our society is still remembered in Poland. I don't know if it is remembered here in India and that is why we are opening a museum on how Indian society helped Polish refugees, many of them are 90 years old.

WION:&nbsp;How do you see US President calling off talks with Taliban and developments in Afghanistan?

Marcin Przydacz: Being a non-permanent member of UNSC we are concerned on the situation in Afghanistan. Our troops are there, we are in Afghanistan for the last couple of years and we would love to see Afghanistan as a peaceful and prosperous country because then its crucial for security and stability of the whole region starting from India but it has impact on the situation in Europe. 
&nbsp;

Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland Marcin Przydacz visited India in the first direct flight that will connect capitals of Poland and India i.e Warsaw and New Delhi directly after a gap of 25 years.

Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland Marcin Przydacz visited India in the first direct flight that will connect capitals of Poland and India i.e Warsaw and New Delhi directly after a gap of 25 years. He spoke to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal on how the direct flight will improve people to people connectivity, Bollywood and ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. WION: How will the direct flight benefit the people of India and Poland? Marcin Przydacz: There will be a greater impact on the relations between Poland and India, not only politically but also economically when it comes to tourism. Polish people are very interested in India, they have more and more money. This is not the first direct flight between Poland and Asia. There have been direct flights between China, Japan and Singapore. Very very important for tourist and also for businessmen. WION: Is trade value between India-Poland far below its potential? Marcin Przydacz: It is far below potential but not that bad. Our trade is $ 3 billion, so it is not that bad but we can do much more. We are interested also in what you can offer to Poland. We can discuss high tech, fin-tech, agriculture products and also cultural products. Bollywood is more and more popular in Poland. There were a couple of films that were done in Warsaw, our capital. That is also a possibility for further cooperation. WION: India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited your country last month, how will it increase the political engagement? Marcin Przydacz: That was a very important visit. The last visit of Indian foreign minister was 30 years ago. EAM visit was very important and has taken our relations at a higher level. He had a good talk with our deputy Prime minister and I really hope the result of this visit will take us to a higher level. We are working on a presidential visit. Our president will have a chance to visit very soon, that is why I am here for political dialogue at a higher level. WION: Your take on the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions? Marcin Przydacz: Well those tensions between India and Pakistan as a result of a change in status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir is a big concern for the whole international family. We as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council are also the concern of the situation. We are for a peaceful resolution, for dialogue and we like EU think, it will have to solve bilaterally, you have to discuss and find a way on how to solve the situation. WION: You will visit Kolhapur in Maharashtra, a city that hosted many Polish refugees during World War 2 as Nazis attacked Poland. Marcin Przydacz: Our friendly ties are deeply rooted in history and good foundation of ties are based on generosity by Indian society during World War 2, when your people invited our refugees who were forcibly taken to Siberia, Russia and were able to escape but they didn't have the chance to go back home, so they came to India and they were hosted here. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, there were camps for 5000 Polish people. Generosity by our society is still remembered in Poland. I don't know if it is remembered here in India and that is why we are opening a museum on how Indian society helped Polish refugees, many of them are 90 years old. WION: How do you see US President calling off talks with Taliban and developments in Afghanistan? Marcin Przydacz: Being a non-permanent member of UNSC we are concerned on the situation in Afghanistan. Our troops are there, we are in Afghanistan for the last couple of years and we would love to see Afghanistan as a peaceful and prosperous country because then its crucial for security and stability of the whole region starting from India but it has impact on the situation in Europe.

India, Pakistan have to solve Kashmir bilaterally: Polish Deputy Foreign Minister to WION

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Sunday asked Poland's forgiveness for history's bloodiest conflict during a ceremony in the Polish city of Wielun, where the first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/80-years-since-world-war-ii-timeline-of-worlds-deadliest-conflict-246168">World War II </a>bombs fell 80 years ago.

"I bow my head before the victims of the attack on Wielun. I bow my head before the Polish victims of Germany's tyranny. And I ask forgiveness," Steinmeier said in both German and Polish.

Poland suffered some of the worst horrors of World War II: nearly six million Poles died in the conflict that killed more than 50 million people overall.&nbsp;

That figure includes the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust, half of them Polish.

"It is the Germans who committed a crime against humanity in Poland. Anyone who claims it is over, that the national-socialists' reign of terror over Europe is a marginal event in German history judges that for himself," Steinmeier added in the presence of his Polish counterpart.

The line appeared to be a clear reference to the German far-right, whose co-leader Alexander Gauland once called the 12-year Third Reich a "speck of bird poop" in an otherwise glorious German past.

"We will never forget. We want to remember and we will remember," Steinmeier said.

Polish President Andrzej Duda for his part denounced Nazi Germany's attack on Poland, calling it "an act of barbarity" and "a war crime."

"I am convinced that this ceremony will go down in the history of Polish-German friendship," he added, thanking Steinmeier for his presence.

'Smoke, noise, explosions'

The heads of state will later tour the Wielun museum and meet with local survivors of the September 1, 1939 bombing.&nbsp;

"I saw dead bodies, the wounded... Smoke, noise, explosions. Everything was burning," Wielun bombing survivor Tadeusz Sierandt, 88, told AFP ahead of the anniversary.

The carpet-bombing came one week after Germany and the Soviet Union secretly agreed to carve up Eastern Europe between them by signing the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans attended a separate dawn remembrance Sunday in Westerplatte, where a Nazi German battleship opened fire on a Polish fort on September 1, 1939.&nbsp;

Hitler's attacks on Poland led Britain and France to declare war on Nazi Germany. On September 17, the Soviet Union in turn invaded Poland.

After the Nazis tore up the pact with Moscow, two alliances battled it out to the end: the Axis powers led by Germany, Italy and Japan and the victorious Allied forces led by Britain, the Soviet Union and the United States.&nbsp;

Later Sunday, US Vice President Mike Pence, Steinmeier and Duda will deliver speeches at a ceremony in Warsaw's Pilsudski Square, the site of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.&nbsp;

No Johnson, Putin, Trump

Though it has been 80 years since the war started, there are still unresolved matters according to Poland, which says Germany owes it war reparations.

A parliamentary commission is currently working on a new analysis of the extent of Poland's wartime human and material losses. Berlin, however, believes the case is closed.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will attend the Warsaw ceremony, but no other major world leaders are expected.

US President Donald Trump had planned to attend the war commemorations but cancelled at the last minute so that he could monitor Hurricane Dorian.&nbsp;

Also not attending are French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, while Russian President Vladimir Putin was not invited -- unlike 10 years ago -- because of Moscow's 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

The Polish presidency had said the commemorations would be attended by around 40 foreign delegations, a few of them led by heads of state.

They include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky whose partnership matters to Poland, which believes its security depends on Ukraine remaining outside of Russia's sphere of influence.&nbsp;

Duda said Poland wants neighbour "Ukraine to be closer to the European Union, to be closer to NATO" after meeting with Zelensky in Warsaw on Saturday.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Sunday asked Poland's forgiveness for history's bloodiest conflict during a ceremony in the Polish city of Wielun, where the first World War II bombs fell 80 years ago.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Sunday asked Poland's forgiveness for history's bloodiest conflict during a ceremony in the Polish city of Wielun, where the first World War II bombs fell 80 years ago. "I bow my head before the victims of the attack on Wielun. I bow my head before the Polish victims of Germany's tyranny. And I ask forgiveness," Steinmeier said in both German and Polish. Poland suffered some of the worst horrors of World War II: nearly six million Poles died in the conflict that killed more than 50 million people overall. That figure includes the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust, half of them Polish. "It is the Germans who committed a crime against humanity in Poland. Anyone who claims it is over, that the national-socialists' reign of terror over Europe is a marginal event in German history judges that for himself," Steinmeier added in the presence of his Polish counterpart. The line appeared to be a clear reference to the German far-right, whose co-leader Alexander Gauland once called the 12-year Third Reich a "speck of bird poop" in an otherwise glorious German past. "We will never forget. We want to remember and we will remember," Steinmeier said. Polish President Andrzej Duda for his part denounced Nazi Germany's attack on Poland, calling it "an act of barbarity" and "a war crime." "I am convinced that this ceremony will go down in the history of Polish-German friendship," he added, thanking Steinmeier for his presence. 'Smoke, noise, explosions' The heads of state will later tour the Wielun museum and meet with local survivors of the September 1, 1939 bombing. "I saw dead bodies, the wounded... Smoke, noise, explosions. Everything was burning," Wielun bombing survivor Tadeusz Sierandt, 88, told AFP ahead of the anniversary. The carpet-bombing came one week after Germany and the Soviet Union secretly agreed to carve up Eastern Europe between them by signing the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans attended a separate dawn remembrance Sunday in Westerplatte, where a Nazi German battleship opened fire on a Polish fort on September 1, 1939. Hitler's attacks on Poland led Britain and France to declare war on Nazi Germany. On September 17, the Soviet Union in turn invaded Poland. After the Nazis tore up the pact with Moscow, two alliances battled it out to the end: the Axis powers led by Germany, Italy and Japan and the victorious Allied forces led by Britain, the Soviet Union and the United States. Later Sunday, US Vice President Mike Pence, Steinmeier and Duda will deliver speeches at a ceremony in Warsaw's Pilsudski Square, the site of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. No Johnson, Putin, Trump Though it has been 80 years since the war started, there are still unresolved matters according to Poland, which says Germany owes it war reparations. A parliamentary commission is currently working on a new analysis of the extent of Poland's wartime human and material losses. Berlin, however, believes the case is closed. German Chancellor Angela Merkel will attend the Warsaw ceremony, but no other major world leaders are expected. US President Donald Trump had planned to attend the war commemorations but cancelled at the last minute so that he could monitor Hurricane Dorian. Also not attending are French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, while Russian President Vladimir Putin was not invited -- unlike 10 years ago -- because of Moscow's 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. The Polish presidency had said the commemorations would be attended by around 40 foreign delegations, a few of them led by heads of state. They include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky whose partnership matters to Poland, which believes its security depends on Ukraine remaining outside of Russia's sphere of influence. Duda said Poland wants neighbour "Ukraine to be closer to the European Union, to be closer to NATO" after meeting with Zelensky in Warsaw on Saturday.

Germany asks Polish forgiveness 80 years after WWII outbreak

Poland's&nbsp;parliament&nbsp;speaker, Marek Kuchcinski, said on Thursday he would resign after it was revealed that he used government aircraft for&nbsp;private&nbsp;trips by family members.

With elections set for October, the&nbsp;scandal&nbsp;has embarrassed the ruling right-wing nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party, which has said it is cleaning up an alleged legacy of graft and communist influence tolerated by previous governments.

"I plan to submit my resignation tomorrow," Kuchcinski told a news conference, three days after he apologized for using government Gulfstream jet for 23&nbsp;flights&nbsp;with his family.

Political analysts said that until Thursday the PiS had adopted a wait and see approach, hoping the&nbsp;scandal&nbsp;would die off&nbsp;amidst the summer holiday lull.

But after the Polish media published further details of the&nbsp;flights&nbsp;and pointed to discrepancies in explanations by Kuchcinski and the government, the potential damage became too serious to gloss over. 
A poll published by Super Express tabloid on Thursday showed that almost two-third of Poles wanted Kuchcinski to resign.

A survey taken by IBRiS pollster before the&nbsp;scandal&nbsp;broke gave PiS 41.7per cent if elections were held now, with the main opposition bloc, the centrist Civic Platform, at 25 per cent and a group of leftist parties at 10.2per cent.

Poland's parliament speaker, Marek Kuchcinski, said on Thursday he would resign after it was revealed that he used government aircraft for private trips by family members.

Poland's parliament speaker, Marek Kuchcinski, said on Thursday he would resign after it was revealed that he used government aircraft for private trips by family members. With elections set for October, the scandal has embarrassed the ruling right-wing nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party, which has said it is cleaning up an alleged legacy of graft and communist influence tolerated by previous governments. "I plan to submit my resignation tomorrow," Kuchcinski told a news conference, three days after he apologized for using government Gulfstream jet for 23 flights with his family. Political analysts said that until Thursday the PiS had adopted a wait and see approach, hoping the scandal would die off amidst the summer holiday lull. But after the Polish media published further details of the flights and pointed to discrepancies in explanations by Kuchcinski and the government, the potential damage became too serious to gloss over. A poll published by Super Express tabloid on Thursday showed that almost two-third of Poles wanted Kuchcinski to resign. A survey taken by IBRiS pollster before the scandal broke gave PiS 41.7per cent if elections were held now, with the main opposition bloc, the centrist Civic Platform, at 25 per cent and a group of leftist parties at 10.2per cent.

Poland's parliament speaker resigns amid private flights scandal

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