Latest news with #Katowice
Reuters
4 days ago
- Politics
- Reuters
Society Watch: Poland tries to learn lesson from the past as it seeks to power past coal
June 9 - Steep paths zigzag through the pine and silver birch trees that smother the slopes of a vast slag heap looming over Murcki, a suburb of Katowice. For over 100 years it was the dumping ground for the spoil from the Boze Dary mine, until it closed in 2015. Standing at the top of the heap, with the green forests of Silesia stretching out to the horizon, it is difficult to imagine that there were once around 70 coal mines across the country, employing 400,000 miners. Then in the 1990s, as Poland moved from a Communist to a free-market economy, state support for coal abruptly ended, and dozens of uneconomic mines closed, often overnight, leaving thousands of miners without work or support, explains Sebastian Pypwacz, from the local environmental NGO BoMiasto. 'In the 1990s the premise was very simple – we close the coalmines… (we) give money to the people,' says Pypwacz. While they were told to use the money to start their own businesses, there was no practical advice about how to do it. Today the country's remaining 19 pits, which produce around 60 million tonnes of thermal coal a year, face a similar fate, as Poland implements targets to wean itself off coal. Pypwacz fears that lessons from that last wave of closures haven't been learned, even though many communities are still visibly struggling with the consequences of those redundancies from the 1990s. In Katowice, the state capital of Silesia, Momika Bajka has been helping to rebuild some of the lives shattered by those first closures. In 1994, shocked at the number of homeless children living around the town's train station, she founded the House of Guardian Angels. It offered support and shelter to these children, many of whom were on the streets after the breakdown of family life. The centre is in the town's Zalenze neighbourhood, on the edge of a former worker's estate,. Bajka recalls that with jobs scarce in post-Communist Poland 'lots of men were sitting around not going to work or doing anything'. There were tensions between husbands and wives, she says, as women went out to find jobs to support their families, something the men found difficult to accept. Bajka agrees that it was wrong to just hand out large sums of money, as few people knew how to invest it. Under communism, rent and bills were often paid by the mines, so their workers weren't used to responsibilities. And miners didn't just lose their jobs, but their friends, their community, their sports clubs and the whole structure to their lives. The money soon ran out, spent on cars and holidays, alcohol became a big problem, then depression and a tragic spike in suicides. Bajka sees the legacy living on today, with the children of the young people she originally helped now attending homework clubs and after-school activities at the centre, because they have inherited the problems of their parents. Many are socially excluded, she says, and 'lack the opportunities that others had'. With the next round of mining closures, the process needs to be properly managed. 'The best way is to prepare before the coalmines close,' she says, building relationships and 'listening to people to find what they are afraid of'. Iwona Bojadzhijewa, a project manager in the Just Transition Advisory Hub at the Warsaw-based Instrat Foundation think-tank, believes one of the biggest barriers to a just transition this time is the insistence on sticking to a 2049 deadline to close all the remaining mines, part of a social contract signed by the last government, coal companies and trade unions. In 2024, coal produced 57% of Poland's energy, and nearly 150 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, but much of this coal is now imported from places such as Kazakhstan and Indonesia, not mined in Poland. Instrat's research suggests the majority of Poland's surviving coal mines will close over the next decade, with coal production predicted to drop to around 23 million tonnes in 2030. No one will benefit from prolonging coal's demise. 'The schedule needs to be amended,' says Bojadzhijewa, 'they all know it's going to happen earlier… it's not honest.' EU climate targets and market pressures are also likely to accelerate this timeline. The problem is that Poland lacks a coherent energy strategy, she says. Regional and national government, as well as the EU, all have an interest in energy production, especially as Poland is the largest beneficiary of the EU's Just Transition fund, with Silesia alone set to receive over 2 billion euros, much of it earmarked for job creation. Earlier this month, the right-wing populist Karol Nawrocki won the Polish presidency, having run a campaign that was both critical of climate policy and defended coal's role in Poland's energy mix. However, with more political power vested in parliament, Bojadzhijewa doesn't believe Nawrocki's election will make any substantial changes to Poland's decarbonisation strategy. However, she adds. the comments will still prove unsettling for those living in mining communities. 'These statements seem particularly unfair towards the inhabitants of coal-dependent regions, as they can fuel false hopes that the transition will be postponed indefinitely,' she says. 'Rather than engaging constructively in building a sustainable future beyond coal, there is a risk that people may cling to unrealistic promises that could undermine long-term progress.' BoMiasto has developed a Just Transition Barometer to research public sentiment around mine closures. It reveals that while people are deeply aware that closures will impact the majority of local residents, what they care about most is securing stable energy prices, clean air and access to well-paid, future-oriented jobs. Patryk Bilas, a local independent councillor, agrees that Poland needs a 'concrete, step-by-step, long-term plan' for the transition from coal, and to be able to communicate this to affected communities. Bilas is a director of the Innovation and Competence Centre at Katowice's Euro-Centrum Science and Technology Park, which supports energy-efficient technologies and clean industry. While the closure of old coal-fired plants over the next decade will cut Poland's electricity capacity by a third, an 'explosion of small-scale photovoltaics, wind turbines and so on' will replace coal, he says. Bilas believes miners have many transferable skills that are suited to new green technologies, such as solar installation, heat pumps and wind turbines. Around 194,000 people are currently employed in the renewable sector, he says, with predictions this could rise to 300,000 by 2030. Some local businesses are already shifting. Katowice-based manufacturer Formar, for instance, is now building new green technologies alongside mining machinery, much of which is destined for China. The company has also launched a training programme for miners looking to work on wind turbines, and has developed a transition strategy that involves buying up and investing in new clean energy companies. 'Setting out a timeline (for closing the mines) can help the miners,' says Pypwacz . 'We want to communicate with miners that 'your skills are viable in another industry'.' A growing interest in post-industrial tourism is also creating new jobs. The Silesian Museum opened in Katowice's former colliery 10 years ago, while the Museum of Coal Mining is housed inside the former Guido mine in nearby Zabrze, a town which once had eight mines, as well as various smelting and coking plants. Elsewhere, the vast blast furnace at Ruda Slaska, which hasn't been active for 20 years, is set to be turned into an exhibition hall, with interactive displays about the region's industrial heritage. Creative thinking has also helped some of the town's that felt the brunt of those initial closures to find a new life. In sharp contrast to the apartments in Zelenze, Kolonia Zgorzelec, an historic worker's estate in the town of Bytom, has been revitalised over the last decade, with the support of a local development company. Pyplacz also points to Nikiszoweic, five kilometres from Katowice, another architecturally important cluster of former miners' tenement blocks. The neat blocks of brick apartments, with their shops and school, became a violent no-go area after the mine closed, but today the flats are occupied by young families, and the estate transformed into a tourist attraction, with a museum, art gallery and high-end restaurants. Nearby, the sheds and warehouses of the old Wieczorek mine, many with elaborate brick facades, are set to be turned into the Katowice Gaming and Technology Hub, a new centre for business startups, where the next wave of redundant miners may be able to put their redundancy cheques to good use. 'Change is inevitable,' says Bojadzhijewa '(but) we need to make sure that it doesn't happen at the cost of the people.'
Daily Mail
04-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Twisted killer who murdered a woman and had sex with her corpse based on the flip of a coin is jailed for life
A man who murdered a teenager he met on a bus and then had sex with her corpse on the flip of a coin has been sentenced to life in prison. Car shop repair man Mateusz Hepa was on his way home from a night shift in the Polish city of Katowice in August 2023 when he bumped into Wiktoria Kozielska who was returning from a party. Luring her back to his flat where she fell asleep, he then tossed a coin to decide whether to kill her. In a chilling monologue reminiscent of bestselling book The Dice Man in which the main character makes decisions based on the roll of a die, the 20-year-old killer later told police: 'I tossed a coin, it came up heads so I killed her. 'If it had been tails she would probably still be alive.' He then decided to beat and strangle the 18-year-old girl to death with a rope, before wrapping her body in plastic and calling the police. He was arrested just hours after the brutal murder, reportedly telling police: 'I felt the need to kill.' During his trial Hepa's defence argued that he had been sexually abused as a child and that this had led to his behaviour. But the victim's family lawyer Waldemar Bogdan told a court on Wednesday: 'Wiktoria had the right to dance, have fun and live. 'Meanwhile, fate decided that she met this man on her path. Mateusz Hepa tossed a coin that decided the life of a young girl. 'This trial is to be a lesson for the entire society. I am asking for a life sentence without the possibility of parole.' Sentencing Hepa to life in jail with the possibility of parole denied for 40 years, Judge Agata Dybek-Zydn said that Hepa, who was not in court, deserved 'special condemnation as he had murdered a random person and [had] shown no mercy.' Appearing in court in the town of Gliwice earlier this year, he said that prior to Kozielska's murder he had been thinking about killing someone and had walked around town looking for a victim. As Kozielska's devastated parents listened on, he said: 'I gave her the choice of going home or to me. She decided to go to me. 'We sat there, talked about nothing, then she fell asleep. 'I walked around the room, tried to wake her up, but I couldn't. 'Then I tossed a coin, it landed heads so I killed her. 'I don't know why I did it. Certain things happen, but I have no influence on them. 'Sometimes I toss a coin when I have a difficult choice. 'I sat on her chest and started to strangle her. I chose strangulation because then there is no blood. 'She was trying to breathe. She had no strength to fight. She tried to resist but it was too late. 'After I killed her, I took her clothes off her and then I had sex with her,' he admitted. 'Then I got dressed and tried to hide the body. I wasn't thinking rationally. 'I put Wiktoria's body in a bag and wrapped it in a blanket. I planned to burn it. 'I thought I would feel better if I committed murder.' As he was led out of court, the victims distraught friends shouted 'You should f***ing die'. Local media reports Hepa had thought about taking his own life but ultimately changed his mind and called the police. He has been held in custody since last year.
Travel Daily News
04-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
IHG Hotels & Resorts opens Crowne Plaza Katowice
IHG's portfolio surpasses 30 open and pipeline properties in Poland LONDON, UK – IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world's leading hotel companies, announces the signing of Crowne Plaza Katowice, alongside DL Invest (Landlord) and Hotel & More (Tenant and Franchisee) in Poland. Expected to open in 2026, the 178-room hotel will become the second Crowne Plaza property in Poland, joining Crowne Plaza Warsaw – The HUB, and a rapidly growing portfolio of 90* open Crowne Plaza hotels in Europe, and a further 17* in development. Crowne Plaza has long been a leader in providing blended travel experiences, shaping the future of travel with future-facing concepts. Prioritising seamless integration between work and leisure, the brand has created innovative spaces and services which ensure that business, personal time and relaxation can coexist without compromise. Thoughtfully designed, flexible meeting and event spaces, multifunctional guest rooms and integrated social spaces mean that Crowne Plaza provides the perfect environment for guests to connect or disconnect. The brand recently launched a new look and feel and guest-facing programs, cementing its position as an industry thought leader and trailblazer in the premium hotel segment. Located on Katowice Central Highway, one of the most important transportation arteries in southern Poland, the hotel will be adjacent to Silesia City, the largest shopping mall in Silesia, allowing guests to easily explore the city during their leisure time. Crowne Plaza Katowice will also have convenient connection to the Katowice International Congress Centre, Spodek, and be easily accessible by public transport, making it ideal for international and domestic travellers. Set across six floors, Crowne Plaza Katowice will feature a restaurant and lobby café. State-of-the-art meeting and events space will also be available, making the hotel the perfect destination for hosting large, business conferences as well as smaller, intimate gatherings. (Mrs) Willemijn Geels, Vice President, Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: 'Crowne Plaza is has been a hotel brand leader since the introduction of its first property designed mainly for business travellers in 1983. Its recent evolution cements its appeal to those actively looking to combining business trips with personal or leisure stays. This, combined with solid commercial performance and guest love, means that we are seeing increased European owner interest in the brand. We are delighted to be strengthening our presence in Poland, by developing a strong premium segment pipeline alongside DL Invest and Hotel & More. Our purpose-driven design approach, amenities and connections-focused service, combined with our partner's local knowledge and expertise, will deliver an elevated experience for when the Crowne Plaza Katowice open in 2026.' Dominik Leszczyński, CEO of DL Invest, said: 'IHG's industry-leading enterprise, combined with Hotel & More's in-depth market expertise and extensive experience as hotel operators in Hungary and across Europe, gives us full confidence in Crowne Plaza Katowice's performance. With their collective deep understanding of the local market and proven track record of catering to blended travel needs, we are certain that the hotel will become the preferred choice for business travellers visiting the city.' Balazs Klemm, CEO of Hotel & More, said: 'We are delighted to be partnering with IHG to bring their beloved premium hotel brand to Katowice. Crowne Plaza has a strong reputation for being one of the world's best-known brands among corporate and leisure travellers alike and with the hotel's ideal location in the heart of Katowice, we strongly believe that it makes it the perfect fit for the Crowne Plaza brand. We look forward to welcome guests to the hotel once it opens in 2026.' Crowne Plaza Katowice joins 14* existing and 17* pipeline hotels in Poland and among five brands (InterContinental, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express). *Numbers as at 31 March 2025 unless otherwise stated
Hospitality Net
03-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
IHG expands Polish portfolio with the signing of Crowne Plaza Katowice
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world's leading hotel companies, announces the signing of Crowne Plaza Katowice, alongside DL Invest (Landlord) and Hotel & More (Tenant and Franchisee) in Poland. Expected to open in 2026, the 178-room hotel will become the second Crowne Plaza property in Poland, joining Crowne Plaza Warsaw - The HUB, and a rapidly growing portfolio of 90* open Crowne Plaza hotels in Europe, and a further 17* in development. Crowne Plaza has long been a leader in providing blended travel experiences, shaping the future of travel with future-facing concepts. Prioritising seamless integration between work and leisure, the brand has created innovative spaces and services which ensure that business, personal time and relaxation can coexist without compromise. Thoughtfully designed, flexible meeting and event spaces, multifunctional guest rooms and integrated social spaces mean that Crowne Plaza provides the perfect environment for guests to connect or disconnect. The brand recently launched a new look and feel and guest-facing programs, cementing its position as an industry thought leader and trailblazer in the premium hotel segment. Located on Katowice Central Highway, one of the most important transportation arteries in southern Poland, the hotel will be adjacent to Silesia City, the largest shopping mall in Silesia, allowing guests to easily explore the city during their leisure time. Crowne Plaza Katowice will also have convenient connection to the Katowice International Congress Centre, Spodek, and be easily accessible by public transport, making it ideal for international and domestic travellers. Set across six floors, Crowne Plaza Katowice will feature a restaurant and lobby café. State-of-the-art meeting and events space will also be available, making the hotel the perfect destination for hosting large, business conferences as well as smaller, intimate gatherings.
Travel Daily News
16-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
General Aviation hangar opens at Katowice Airport
Katowice Airport opens Poland's largest General Aviation hangar, enhancing business jet services as part of its growing aviation infrastructure strategy. A hangar for General Aviation aircraft was put into service at Katowice Airport. The modern building is located in the south-western part of the airport, by aircraft apron no. 4. The hangar covers 5 452 sq m, is 41 metres deep, 11 metres high and 133 metres wide. When it comes to width, the building is the biggest hangar object currently available at the Airport. The building consists of three independent segments; each allows to store not only business aircraft (A-C code), but also helicopters. PROMUS sp. z o.o. was the main contractor responsible for the investment. The commissioning of the facility was combined with a presentation of a Gulfstream Aerospace aircraft; the company is one of the largest manufacturers of business jets in the world. The Upper Silesian Aviation Group (Górnośląskie Towarzystwo Lotnicze S.A. – GTL S.A.), i.e. the company managing Katowice Airport, offers complex services for business clients and business jets. In the airport's passenger terminals, there are two Fast Tracks which make the security control process easier, as well as two Business Lounges. The Business Customer Department at GTL S.A. provides, among others, assistance during check-in and private transportation between terminals and aircraft. Moreover, GTL S.A. holds a certificate and approval allowing to perform ground handling of General Aviation aircraft. 'I'm glad that our clients have appreciated the quality of service at Katowice Airport and decided to strengthen their relationship with the airport by successfully carrying out construction of a hangar for their business aircraft here. Our expansion program for Katowice Airport sees its south-western part dedicated for General Aviation infrastructure,' said Artur Tomasik, President of the Board of the Upper Silesian Aviation Group, the company managing Katowice Airport. Katowice Airport is among the biggest regional airports in Poland. 6.39m. passengers travelled via its network of flights in 2024. The forecast for 2025 estimates that approx. 7m. passengers will be handled; it will be the best result in the history of the Airport. Katowice Wojciech Korfanty Airport is the country leader in the area of charter traffic, and one of the biggest cargo airports in Poland.
