Stories from Poland

Agriculture Minister Stefan Krajewski visited Zagrzów in the Lubelskie region to inspect orchards damaged by frost. Krajewski stated that some farms have experienced 100% losses. The ministry has already secured funds in its budget to provide support for affected farmers. He announced that all affected individuals will receive assistance. A plan of action is set to begin on Monday. Voivodes are expected to convene commissions in all regions to assess the level of losses.

President will appoint councils regarding the new constitution on Sunday, May 3. The Left party has already indicated it will not participate in the proceedings. Commentators noted the move may be an attempt to centralize power. The announcement was made during a discussion regarding the institutional state of the judiciary and the selection of 15 judges for the National Council of the Judiciary by the Sejm. Presidential spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz announced that Karol Nawrocki has appointed a council to oversee matters regarding a new constitution. The council is expected to convene at the Royal Castle for Constitution Day on May 3. Analysts suggest politicians may struggle to reach consensus during upcoming constitutional discussions. President Karol Navrocki is calling for the appointment of new Constitution Councils on May 3.

A court in Warsaw approved a request from Ukrainian authorities to extradite Alexander Butyagin. Butyagin reportedly led archaeological excavations in Kerch, a territory annexed by Russia in 2014. Ukrainian officials consider the excavations illegal and suspect Butyagin of contributing to the damage of cultural heritage sites. The source also noted that political prisoners in Russian cities have conducted nearly 300 hunger strikes over the last 20 years.

A 39-year-old man from the Wrocław County died following a commercial skydiving jump from 4,000 meters. Although the man's parachute was open, he struck the ground with excessive force during landing.

A 39-year-old man from Wrocław County died during a parachute jump from a height of 4,000 meters. Emergency services, including air rescue, were dispatched to the scene.

Promet intends to supply 50,000 unguided 122mm rocket projectiles for Grad MLRS systems. A Slovenian firm and the Bosnian company Binass are participating in the scheme to provide 5,000 detonators. Components are planned to be sent to Poland for final assembly.

The European Union has implemented a reduction in customs duties for high-quality beef imports effective today. One major Brazilian company is expected to lead beef exports to the EU. This move is expected to lower prices for consumers in Europe and increase sales for producers.

The Polish labor fund has been reduced by 1.5 billion PLN this year, representing a 47% decrease. A member of the Labor Market Council noted the reduction during a broadcast. This funding cut occurs alongside reports of youth unemployment reaching 20% in various regions.

An estimated 80,000 people live in extreme poverty within the Katowice agglomeration. The Upper Silesian Heritage Society has highlighted the issues of social exclusion, homelessness, and the elderly for nearly three decades.

Anniversary picnics are occurring in many Polish cities to mark 22 years of Poland's membership in the European Union. In Warsaw, crowds are attending a European picnic at Łazienki Królewskie.