Claudia Ciobanu

In the first major electoral test for Poland’s new ruling coalition, it was the former ruling PiS party that won most votes in Sunday’s local elections, albeit followed closely by PM Tusk’s Civic Platform.

Elsewhere, Tusk reaffirms Poland won't take part in EU-wide migrant relocation scheme; Czech far-right SPD party to receive apology for being labeled ‘xenophobic'; Fico meets Ukraine PM and repeats Russia violated international law with invasion.

Six months after Poland’s new liberal-democratic government came to power, draft legislation on liberalising abortion was finally tabled in parliament, yet few women are hopeful of seeing any quick progress.

Elsewhere, Mr Fiala goes to Washington, Mr Duda goes to New York; Poland looks toward Sky Shield; and new prosecutors needed in Slovakia.

The British PM chose Warsaw as the place to announce the UK would significantly increase its military spending, with more weapons headed to Ukraine to help its war effort.

Up to a hundred Ukrainian citizens, mostly men, were gathered on Wednesday in front of a passport centre in Warsaw, unable to pick up their documents, after Kyiv suspended consular services as part of a drive to increase conscription.

Elsewhere, Polish prosecutors to also investigate Pegasus use; former Czech MP's rape sentence confirmed; and a black day for Slovak public broadcaster RTVS.

Despite a slow start and tussles over the rule of law, a war next door and a newly formed democratic government are encouraging Polish ambitions of a leadership role in the bloc.

Despite a slow start and tussles over the rule of law, a war next door, and a newly formed liberal-democratic government are encouraging Polish ambitions of a leadership role in the bloc. From Reporting Democracy/BIRN.

Elsewhere, Ode to Joy as Czechia celebrates EU accession; official of Slovak Culture Ministry questions shape of Earth; and Polish farmers end border blockade.