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How the Czechs and Poles fell out with each other

Emission,Pollutions,Factory.,Cooling,Towers,Vector,Industrial,Energy.,Co2,Greenhouse,

The Turów case is only a symptom of underinvestment in Czech–Polish relations. Source: Smartha / Shutterstock.com

The Polish state media portrays the Czech Republic as a foe that, for dubious reasons, is set on ruining the Polish energy sector. Currently, it is the Turów lignite mine on the Polish side of the border that is behind the friction between the two countries. Does this case mirror structural problems in Czech–Polish relations, and what can be done to restore mutually favourable cooperation?

VSquare

06.10.2021

Alaksandr Lukaszenka na muralu w Gdansku

Mural depicting Alaksandr Lukashenko in Gdansk, Poland, 19.08.2020. Source: Lukasz Dejnarowicz / FORUM

Lukashenko is no longer in the business of engaging in politics or diplomacy. His actions are all about revenge, destruction and diversion, using violent tactics to target Belorussians themselves and his nation’s European neighbors.

VSquare

09.09.2021

Katowice,,Silesia,,Poland,10,August,2021,Protests,In,Defense,Of

Protests against the ”Lex TVN” act. 10 August 2021, Katowice, Poland. Source: TomaszKudala / Shutterstock.com

In August 2021, Poland enacted a controversial media law. This so-called “Lex TVN” — which targets one specific private TV channel — is one more blow in the ruling party’s assault on the free press.

Wojciech Cieśla

26.08.2021

European union flag against parliament in Brussels, Belgium. Source: artjazz / Shutterstock.com

For two years Political Capital, a Hungarian think tank, conducted with partners a research project on authoritarian influence in the European Union, and particularly in the European Parliament.

VSquare

01.09.2021

A demonstrator wears a face mask during a protest for media freedom after the editor-in-chief of Index, Hungary's leading independent news website was fired, in Budapest, Hungary, July 24, 2020.Source: Bernadett Szabo / Reuters / Forum

One year after the pro-governmental takeover of the top Hungarian news site, Index.hu, its former staff members are thriving.

VSquare

23.07.2021