#poland

Extreme Heat Grips Central and Eastern Europe as Record Temperatures Spark Crisis Central and eastern Europe endured relentless heatwaves in early June 2026, with temperatures surpassing 40°C in Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary. The extreme weather triggered wildfires, transportation chaos, and a surge in heat-related deaths, raising urgent questions about climate preparedness. In Germany, record-breaking heat led to devastating wildfires, particularly in Gohrischheide, where a forest fire broke out in an area still contaminated with World War II-era ammunition. Firefighters faced additional challenges due to the presence of unexploded ordnance, complicating containment efforts. Similarly, a major fire erupted near Traisen in southwest Germany, forcing 650 residents to evacuate as flames spread through a region with unexploded munitions. The crisis highlighted Germany’s struggle to manage such disasters amid escalating climate extremes. Berlin police deployed water cannons to cool down crowds, a measure that drew scrutiny over the country’s readiness for extreme heat. The situation also disrupted train networks across Europe, with Czech, German, and Polish operators reporting widespread delays and cancellations. Passengers faced overcrowded trains, malfunctioning air conditioning, and logistical nightmares. Czech Railways (České dráhy) acknowledged the strain, explaining in a social media post that their systems were not designed to handle temperatures exceeding 40°C. The company humorously noted that their goal was not to turn trains into “freezers,” underscoring the limitations of infrastructure in extreme conditions. France, meanwhile, grappled with the human toll of the heatwave, which began in mid-June and temporarily eased with thunderstorms.#czech_republic #germany #poland #hungary #central_europe

Europe's Heatwave 'Linked to 1,300 Deaths' as More Records Broken The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Europe's unprecedented early summer heatwave may be responsible for hundreds of excess deaths, with over 1,300 linked to high temperatures since June 21. The extreme weather has shattered temperature records across the continent, with Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic experiencing historic highs as the heatwave moved eastward. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the dangers of the situation, calling heat stress the "silent killer" and emphasizing that European infrastructure was not designed to withstand such extreme conditions. He noted that Europe is warming at twice the global average, making once-in-a-generation heatwaves increasingly common. "Driven by climate change and global warming, the phenomenon of the 'once-in-a-generation' heatwave is now occurring nearly annual," Tedros said, urging countries to implement heat health action plans. Germany recorded its highest temperature ever on Sunday, with 41.7C measured in Coschen, near the Polish border. The Czech Republic followed suit, setting a second consecutive record with 41.1C in Doksany, north of Prague. Poland also broke its all-time temperature record, reaching 40.5C in Slubice. Meteorological agencies predicted the heat would peak on Sunday, with storms expected to hit western regions later. The health impacts have been severe, with France reporting around 1,000 excess deaths since Wednesday, many among individuals aged 65 and older. The national health ministry noted a 40% rise in home deaths, underscoring the vulnerability of elderly populations.#czech_republic #world_health_organization #germany #poland #tedros_adhanom_ghebreyesus

Zelensky Returns Highest Polish Honour After Award Stripped Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has returned Poland’s highest honour, the Order of the White Eagle, after Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced the award would be stripped from him. The decision follows Ukraine’s controversial renaming of a military unit to commemorate the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a World War Two group that Poland accuses of committing genocide against ethnic Poles. Zelensky’s return of the award, which was originally bestowed in 2023 by former Polish President Andrzej Duda, marks a symbolic gesture of reconciliation amid escalating tensions between the two nations. The dispute erupted after Kyiv renamed a Ukrainian army unit in honor of the UPA, a group that Ukraine regards as national heroes who fought for independence against Soviet, Nazi, and Polish forces during the 1940s and 1950s. The UPA’s red and black flag is now a common sight among Ukrainian troops on the front lines. However, Poland has long condemned the UPA for its role in the Volhynia massacres, during which an estimated 100,000 Poles were killed in 1943–45. Polish officials argue that the UPA’s actions were part of a broader campaign of ethnic cleansing against Poles in the region. Nawrocki, who took office in 2023, described Ukraine’s decision to name the unit after the UPA as “outrageous,” “incomprehensible,” and “deeply disappointing.” He emphasized that the move not only harms Poland’s historical memory but also undermines the trust built between the two countries during the war against Russia. Despite the diplomatic fallout, Nawrocki reiterated Poland’s unwavering support for Ukraine, noting that the dispute would not affect the alliance’s cooperation.#ukraine #poland #andrzej_duda #karol_nawrocki #volodymyr_zelensky

Polish Industry Resists External Shocks Despite Global Challenges The Polish industrial sector has demonstrated resilience against external pressures, including the Strait of Hormuz blockade, weak German demand, and growing competition from China, according to economists from ING Bank Śląski. Recent data from the Główny Urząd Statystyczny revealed that industrial production in Poland rose by 4.1% year-on-year in May 2026, despite a 0.8% monthly decline. Analysts noted that this performance exceeded expectations, highlighting the country’s ability to weather global economic turbulence. The economists emphasized that the industrial sector’s strength is evident even amid challenges. The Strait of Hormuz blockade disrupted global oil supplies, while Germany’s weak economic outlook and China’s expanding export dominance created additional pressure. However, Poland’s industrial output remained robust, driven by significant public and military investments. These investments are already visible in data showing a 60.5% year-on-year surge in the production of "remaining transport equipment," which includes military expenditures. The analysis also pointed to specific sectors experiencing rapid growth. Production of energy-related goods, such as electricity and gas, increased by 13.7% year-on-year, while mining and quarrying saw a 32.6% rise. The "remaining transport equipment" category, encompassing ships, locomotives, and military vehicles, grew by 60.5%, reflecting heightened defense spending. In contrast, sectors like textiles, tobacco products, and furniture faced declines, with textile production dropping by 10.8% and furniture manufacturing falling by 7.1%. The economists attributed these disparities to varying levels of competition.#central_bank #strait_of_hormuz #poland #ing_bank_sski #gwny_urzd_statystyczny

Akor Adams Outlines Super Eagles' Strategy Ahead of Nigeria-Poland Friendly Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, is preparing for an international friendly match against Poland on June 3, 2026, at the 58,000-capacity PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw, Poland. The game, scheduled for 7:45 PM Nigerian time, will see the team led by Akor Adams, who is set to take the role of attacking spearhead in the absence of key players Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Both players were excused for personal reasons, leaving Adams as the sole representative of Eric Chelle’s preferred front three. Additional absences include Yusuf Alhassan and Tijani Samson, who failed to secure Polish visas for the trip. Poland enters the match following a 2-0 loss to Ukraine in their opening game of the international window, while Nigeria secured a 2-1 victory over Jamaica in the 2026 Unity Cup final, defeating Zimbabwe in the semifinals. Despite the absence of their top forwards, the Super Eagles remain confident, with Adams emphasizing the team’s readiness to compete. “Many of us have had a lot of games through our legs in the course of the season, but we're ready, and we'll see what happens,” Adams told Ubuntu Pitch. He highlighted the team’s focus on maintaining their attacking identity, stating, “We play with a lot of intensity and aggressiveness. We also like to play with the ball. We take chances when we have them. So, like every other game, we're going to play the same way, keep our DNA, and try to share the same result.” Coach Eric Chelle confirmed the team’s strategy, stressing the importance of the match for FIFA ranking purposes.#akor_adams #poland #eric_chelle #super_eagles #jan_urban

Maja Chwalinska Reaches Roland Garros Quarterfinals for First Time PARIS — Maja Chwalinska, the World No. 114 player, has reached the quarterfinals of Roland Garros for the first time in her career, marking her first Grand Slam fourth-round appearance. The 24-year-old Polish left-hander qualified for the main draw and has dominated her path to the second week of the tournament, defeating top-seeded opponents and advancing past the third round. Her victories over Zheng Qinwen, No. 23 seed Elise Mertens, and Maria Sakkari, including a three-set win over Sakkari on Saturday, have propelled her to the quarterfinals. “It’s very new for me, the stage,” Chwalinska said after her match, reflecting on her unexpected rise. “I’ve never really been in the third round in a Grand Slam, and I’m in the fourth round right now. Coming from quallies, I obviously didn’t well expect to be in this position, so it’s a lot to take in. I’m just very proud of myself with the effort I put in.” Her achievement is historic, as she joins compatriot Iga Swiatek as the first two Polish players to reach the fourth round at Roland Garros in the same year. This marks only the third time in Grand Slam history that two players from the same country have reached the fourth round in a single tournament, with previous instances including Marta Domachowska and Agnieszka Radwanska at the 2008 Australian Open, and Magda Linette and Swiatek at the 2023 Australian Open. If Chwalinska and Swiatek both advance past their fourth-round matches, it would be the first time two Polish players reach the quarterfinals at the same Slam in a given year. Chwalinska’s success is all the more remarkable given her limited experience on the WTA Tour.#maja_chwalinska #iga_swiatek #poland #wta_tour #roland_garros

US Army Abruptly Cancels Deployment of 4,000 Soldiers to Poland The U.S. Army has canceled the deployment of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division — a unit comprising more than 4,000 soldiers and associated equipment — to Poland. The decision was confirmed by an Army official on Wednesday, though details were not disclosed, and the Defense Department declined to comment when asked. The cancellation came as the unit had already begun preparations for the deployment, including casing its colors in May, a symbolic act marking the end of readiness activities. The news of the cancellation spread quickly among affected personnel, with soldiers reportedly texting friends and family about the change before official confirmation. The deployment, which was expected to last nine months, had been part of a broader rotational presence of U.S. troops in Poland, where over 10,000 troops are stationed. Portions of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team had already arrived in Poland, and equipment was in transit according to the original deployment plan. The cancellation was not discussed during a congressional hearing on the Army’s budget posture held earlier in the week. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Gen. Christopher LaNeve, the Army vice chief of staff, did not address the matter, despite concerns raised by Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., the Senate Armed Services Committee’s ranking member. Reed highlighted a budget shortfall of at least $2 billion, citing extended operations that included the deployment of Army National Guard units to Washington, D.C., and participation in U.S. border control efforts. However, the topic of how this shortfall affects training and operations was not explored further.#us_army #poland #2nd_armored_bracket_combat_team #1st_cavalry_division #daniel_driscoll

2026 World Cup playoffs: Who will claim the final six spots? The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, set to kick off on June 11 with Mexico hosting South Africa in Mexico City, will see six remaining qualification spots decided in a series of high-stakes playoff matches. The final qualified teams will be confirmed on Tuesday, with four European nations and the winners of two intercontinental playoff finals securing their places in the tournament hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The competition has drawn attention to several underdog teams and historic underdogs seeking to end long absences from the global stage. Among the most anticipated matches is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s clash with Italy, where the Azzurri must avoid a third consecutive World Cup miss. Italy’s 2-0 semifinal victory over Northern Ireland in Bergamo has bolstered their confidence, though they face a daunting challenge at Bosnia’s home ground in Zenica. Edin Dzeko, the 40-year-old striker for Bosnia, could become one of the oldest outfield players in World Cup history if his team advances. Italy, led by Gennaro Gattuso, will rely on the experience of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sandro Tonali, and Manuel Locatelli to overcome the underdogs. In another critical matchup, Sweden and Poland will battle for a World Cup berth in Stockholm. Sweden’s dramatic 3-1 semifinal win over Ukraine, spearheaded by Viktor Gyökeres’ hat trick, has reignited hopes for the team, which had struggled during the qualifiers. However, Poland’s 2-1 victory over Albania and their strong form in the group stage position them as favorites. Despite Sweden’s home advantage and recent momentum, the match is expected to be fiercely contested, with penalties likely to play a decisive role.#italy #poland #bosnia_and_herzegovina #sweden #fifa_men_s_world_cup

Poland Considers Measures Against Fuel Tourism Amid Price Drops Poland is preparing to take action if foreign drivers begin purchasing excessive fuel within the country as prices drop, according to Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The government is closely monitoring the situation, particularly if fuel tourism reaches a concerning scale, Tusk stated. He highlighted that any measures implemented must align with legal standards to protect the nation’s economic integrity while addressing the issue effectively. Tusk’s remarks come as fuel prices in Poland have decreased, prompting speculation about potential cross-border fuel purchases by foreign motorists. While the exact extent of the problem remains unclear, officials are under pressure to prevent what they describe as an unfair advantage for international drivers. The prime minister emphasized that Poland will evaluate strategies already adopted by neighboring countries, such as Slovakia, to ensure any response is both lawful and proportionate. The issue of fuel tourism has gained attention in recent months as price disparities between countries have created incentives for drivers to exploit lower costs. Slovakia, which has previously introduced restrictions on fuel exports, has become a reference point for Poland. However, Tusk stressed that any actions taken must avoid conflicts with EU regulations, which govern cross-border trade and economic policies. The government’s focus on legal compliance reflects broader concerns about maintaining fair competition within the region. While the exact measures remain under review, officials have indicated that options could range from temporary border controls to stricter monitoring of fuel sales. Tusk’s comments underscore the delicate balance between addressing economic challenges and adhering to international trade rules.#poland #donald_tusk #fuel_tourism #slovakia #eu_regulations

Poland's Strategic Response: Fuel Prices Capped Amid Middle East Conflict Poland is implementing measures to stabilize fuel prices amid rising costs linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced plans to cap fuel prices by reducing the value-added tax (VAT) on fuel from 23% to 8%, while also lowering excise taxes to their lowest permissible level. The government aims to ease financial strain on households and businesses facing higher fuel expenses. The decision follows growing concerns about the economic impact of global instability, particularly the conflict in the Middle East. By cutting VAT and excise taxes, Poland seeks to directly lower the cost of fuel for consumers, which has become a significant burden as energy prices fluctuate. Tusk emphasized that the move is part of a broader strategy to protect citizens from the financial repercussions of geopolitical tensions. The policy shift reflects the government’s prioritization of domestic economic stability. Analysts suggest that the reduced taxes will provide immediate relief to households and industries reliant on fuel, though long-term effects will depend on broader economic conditions and global energy markets. The measures also highlight Poland’s efforts to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to support citizens during periods of uncertainty. The announcement underscores the interconnectedness of global events and local economies. As fuel prices remain volatile, Poland’s approach serves as a response to both immediate challenges and long-term strategic considerations. The government’s focus on affordability aims to mitigate public discontent and maintain economic resilience in the face of external pressures.#middle_east #fuel_prices #poland #donald_tusk #vats

Poland's Bold Tax Cut on Fuel: Impact on Economy and Energy Sector Poland has implemented a significant reduction in the value-added tax (VAT) on fuel to ease the financial burden on drivers, a move expected to result in substantial revenue losses for the government. Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski revealed that the tax cut will lead to a monthly shortfall of 900 million zlotys, equivalent to approximately $242.88 million. Additionally, the reduction in excise taxes is projected to add another 700 million zlotys to the monthly budget deficit. These measures aim to lower fuel costs for consumers, but they come at a considerable fiscal cost. The Polish government is exploring further steps to offset the impact of these tax cuts, including potential caps on pump prices and the introduction of a windfall tax on energy companies. These strategies are intended to provide additional relief to motorists, though they have already influenced financial markets. Shares in state-controlled refiner Orlen have declined as investors react to the government’s plans, reflecting concerns about the long-term economic implications of the policy. The decision to cut fuel taxes aligns with Poland’s broader efforts to balance economic growth with consumer protection, particularly in the context of fluctuating energy markets. The government’s approach highlights the challenges of managing inflationary pressures while maintaining stability in key sectors. Meanwhile, the current exchange rate stands at $1 equaling 3.7055 zlotys, underscoring the interconnectedness of fiscal policy and currency dynamics. As the government navigates these adjustments, the focus remains on mitigating the impact on households while addressing the financial strain caused by the tax cuts.#finance_minister #poland #andzej_domanski #orlen #fuel_tax_cut

Poland coach hails Pietuszewski and hands 17-year-old a play-off call-up Poland’s head coach Jan Urban has named 17-year-old Porto winger Oskar Pietuszewski in the squad for the 2026 World Cup play-off against Albania on 26 March. The call-up comes after Pietuszewski’s impressive performances at Porto, where he has adapted to life in a top-tier club. Urban praised the young player’s progress, citing his ability to assert himself in a competitive environment as a key factor in the decision. “Beyond what he did at Jagiellonia and in the academy, he moved to a big foreign club and is showing he can assert himself there. That gave me extra reasons to call him up,” Urban said in an interview with Kanal Sportwy. The coach emphasized that this is just the beginning of Pietuszewski’s career, calling it “a fantastic start” for the teenager. The match against Albania will determine Poland’s path to the 2026 World Cup finals. A win would set up a one-off tie against either Ukraine or Sweden, with the winner securing a place in the tournament. Urban confirmed that experienced players like Bednarek and Kiwior will start the match, with Pietuszewski likely to come off the bench. The selection highlights a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent. Bednarek and Kiwior, both established figures in Polish football, will anchor the defense, while Pietuszewski’s inclusion signals a focus on developing young players for the future. Urban’s decision to bring in the 17-year-old reflects a strategic approach to balance experience with potential, ensuring the team is well-prepared for the high-stakes encounter. The play-off match will be a critical test for Poland, as they aim to advance to the World Cup.#poland #2026_world_cup #porto #jan_urban #oskar_pietuszewski

The recent decline in gold and silver prices is attributed to a combination of market dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and macroeconomic factors. Here's a structured breakdown of the key elements influencing the market: Market Correction After a Record Surge Context: Gold and silver prices surged in January due to heightened inflation fears and geopolitical uncertainties. Correction: The recent drop is not a sudden crash but a correction to balance the market after a period of rapid gains. Traders are now locking in profits, leading to a temporary pullback. Geopolitical Tensions and Oil Prices Middle East Crisis: Escalating tensions in the Middle East, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, have disrupted oil supply chains. This has pushed crude oil prices above $110 per barrel, creating global market instability. Impact on Precious Metals: Higher oil prices and energy costs increase inflationary pressures, reducing the appeal of gold and silver as inflation hedges. Strengthening U.S. Dollar Dollar Strength: A strong U.S. dollar makes gold and silver more expensive for holders of other currencies, reducing demand. Fed Policy: The Federal Reserve’s recent meeting signaled a hawkish stance on interest rates, prompting investors to shift toward safer assets like the dollar rather than commodities. Poland’s Gold Sales Plan Supply Shock: Poland’s plan to sell $13 billion worth of gold to fund its budget has increased market supply, putting downward pressure on prices. Immediate Impact: The news triggered a sharp decline in gold and silver prices, as excess supply disrupts the balance between demand and supply. Weaker Demand in Jewelry Markets Consumer Behavior: Reduced demand from jewelry buyers, particularly in emerging markets, has further weakened prices.#strait_of_hormuz #federal_reserve #middle_east_crisis #poland #yogesh_singhal

Japanese Credit Rating Agency (JCR) confirmed Poland's long-term credit rating in foreign currency at "A" and in domestic currency at "A+", with stable outlooks for both. The agency stated in a report that Poland's economic fundamentals and external liquidity remain strong, supporting the current rating. Poland, the largest economy in Central and Eastern Europe, has a nominal GDP of approximately $1 billion. The ratings reflect the country's developed economic base and solid external liquidity. Over recent years, Poland's economic growth has remained high among EU member states, with real GDP growth reaching 3.6% in 2025. Despite a rising budget deficit and public debt projected to exceed 70% of GDP by 2028, JCR noted that some increase in fiscal burdens could be tolerated. This is because a portion of the growing debt will be financed by long-term loans from the European Union. As a result, JCR maintained the ratings with a stable outlook. The JCR rating scale, from highest to lowest, includes: AAA (highest confidence in debt repayment ability), AA, A, BBB, BB, B, CCC, CC, C (very high risk of default), LD (partial default), and D (complete default). Ratings from AA to B can include a "+" or "-" modifier, depending on the strength of the assessment at each level.#european_union #poland #japanese_credit_rating_agency #central_and_eastern_europe #jcr_rating_scale

Poland's Political Rating Slips to B, Signaling Concerns Over Economic Stability The political rating of Poland has moved to the B category, a classification that carries significant implications for the country's international standing and economic credibility. This shift highlights growing concerns about Poland's public debt, budget deficits, and the broader challenges facing its economic stability. While the nation maintains a high creditworthiness rating in the A range, the negative outlook signals potential risks that could affect its ability to attract foreign investment and maintain favorable borrowing conditions. Poland's current credit ratings from major agencies reflect a mixed picture. Standard & Poor’s (S&P) assigned the country an A– rating in late 2025, while Moody’s gave it an A2. Fitch Ratings, in its February 2026 assessment, also maintained an A– rating. However, these ratings come with a negative outlook, driven by persistent fears of rising public debt and a record-high budget deficit. Analysts warn that without significant fiscal reforms, Poland's credit rating could face downward pressure, undermining investor confidence and increasing borrowing costs. The move to a B rating is not merely a technical adjustment but a symbolic shift that underscores the challenges Poland faces in maintaining its position as a stable and reliable economic partner. A B rating is associated with higher credit risk and is often viewed as speculative, indicating that the country's ability to meet its financial obligations depends heavily on favorable macroeconomic conditions. This classification could limit access to international capital markets and complicate efforts to secure loans or investments. The political and social climate in Poland has also contributed to this downward trend.#poland #fitch_ratings #moody_s #standard_pers #g20_summit_2026

Moody’s Maintains Poland’s Credit Rating at A2 with Negative Outlook Moody’s has kept Poland’s credit rating at A2, with a negative outlook remaining unchanged. The agency emphasized ongoing fiscal risks and political tensions as key factors influencing its decision. The periodic review of Poland’s rating did not result in any changes, reinforcing the current creditworthiness assessment while highlighting persistent challenges. The negative outlook is primarily driven by deteriorating public finance projections. Moody’s stressed the lack of clear fiscal consolidation efforts, warning that without more decisive actions, the country’s financial condition could weaken. This, in turn, would reduce the effectiveness of its current economic policies. The agency pointed to two main risks: the ongoing stalemate between the government and the president, and potential increases in public spending ahead of the 2027 parliamentary elections, followed by post-election adjustments. Maintaining a negative outlook means a short-term improvement in the credit rating is unlikely. Moody’s indicated that current conditions do not favor a rating upgrade. However, the agency outlined conditions that could alter its stance. A credible fiscal consolidation path, including limiting the growth of public debt and improving debt servicing indicators, could lead to a shift in the outlook to stable. Comparatively, Poland’s rating stands higher than those of other major rating agencies. In September 2025, both Moody’s and Fitch downgraded Poland’s outlook from stable to negative due to worsening fiscal conditions. Currently, Moody’s rates Poland at A2, one level above Fitch and S&P, which both assign A- ratings. While S&P maintains a stable outlook, Fitch keeps its assessment negative, reflecting differing perspectives on Poland’s credit risk profile.#poland #moody_s #fitch #s_p #2027_parliamentary_elections

Should Europe Revert to Nuclear Power? The European Union is considering a renewed reliance on nuclear energy to bolster its power supply. This stance was declared by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a nuclear energy summit near Paris, where representatives from about 40 countries gathered. She described the previous shift away from nuclear power as a "strategic error." The summit also featured discussions on the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), a technology that has sparked debate across Europe. The continent’s media remains divided on the issue. Von der Leyen, who previously served as a senior minister in Angela Merkel’s government, played a key role in accelerating Germany’s nuclear phase-out following the Fukushima disaster. Her return to advocating nuclear energy has raised questions about how quickly this strategic shift will translate into concrete EU policies. Critics are skeptical about the feasibility of reviving the nuclear sector, while others argue that the EU must act swiftly to address energy security concerns. Several Eastern European nations have already embarked on nuclear projects without direct EU intervention. For instance, Poland is preparing its first major nuclear project in Pomerania, while Czechia plans to double its nuclear energy output by building new reactors with South Korea. Bulgaria is also expanding its Kozloduj nuclear plant, and multiple countries have formed an industrial alliance to advance SMR technology since 2024. These efforts suggest that nuclear energy is gaining traction in parts of Europe, even as the EU seeks to coordinate a unified approach. However, skepticism persists.#ursula_von_der_leyen #small_modular_reactors #european_union #zaporizhzhia_nuclear_plant #poland