Latest news with #Silesia
Reuters
a day 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.'
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
'My family and I escaped Soviet soldiers after World War Two'
A woman whose family were captured by the Soviet Army just 24 hours after VE Day has written a book about their Smeed, 83, from Bridgwater, grew up in Silesia. It was historically part of Germany but the land was handed to the Polish after the Potsdam Conference in three, she and her mother Maria Gebauer were made to march towards Russia. Her father, a non-commissioned Luftwaffe officer, was taken to a Soviet labour camp."Few people in England know what happened in mainland Europe after the war ended: the brutality, the disease, and the starvation," she said. The family were among 12 million ethnic Germans who were forcibly evicted or fled from their homes after World War Two Potsdam Conference was a meeting between Winston Churchill, Clement Atlee, Harry Truman, and Joseph Stalin to decide the future of postwar the meeting, it was decided that Germany's territory was to be reduced by 25% of what it was in 1937, displacing many like Ms Smeed's family. Forced march Speaking to Radio Somerset, Ms Smeed said that on VE Day itself, "neither side knew the war was over". The next day, Russian soldiers arrived and "took whatever jewellery and luggage they fancied", before forcing her family to march, she said."The men and women were separated, and we began walking through Austria."The people in the towns and villages we came through couldn't believe what the Russians were doing after the war had ended."They were incensed, they were shouting at the Russians and throwing food to the women. "My mother and I were suddenly grabbed by a couple of Austrians and taken into the crowd. "They took us home, and many days later they helped us to get back to my grandmother in Silesia," she said. Meanwhile, her father, Alfred Gebauer, who had refused to join the Nazi Party while in the Luftwaffe, was taken to a labour camp in became very ill after six months, and when he left the labour camp he weighed just 38kg (83lbs).He was released from the camp and sent home, and the family reunited in Świebodzice, there, the family sought refuge in Braunschweig, West Germany, and opened a shoe shop using an heirloom necklace as a guarantee for the Smeed's mother had smuggled the necklace into Germany by baking it into a cake to stop it from being years after VE Day, Ms Smeed became pen friends with an English teenager, Philip Smeed, which eventually led to love and marriage, and her relocating to couple have three children, and six grandchildren, including Somerset County Cricket player Will Smeed, and German rugby player Henry Smeed. Ms Smeed said she wanted to write the book, called Silesia, A Homeland Lost – One German Family's Story of War and Survival, for her grandchildren."It was important to me that my grandchildren would know their Silesian as well as English roots, and that our family's story lives on for future generations," she said."This is also my parents' story, their love for each other and for me, and their determination to survive firstly the Nazi regime, then the war and its aftermath."Millions of Germans were forced from their homeland, with little idea of where they were going, and often in freezing temperatures taking only what they could carry."
Travel Daily News
6 days ago
- 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.
The Guardian
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Chelsea's billion-pound boys take charge and show clinical cutting edge
A waft of Cole Palmer's left foot; a clip from the right; a convincing victory that simultaneously made all the sense in the world and absolutely none. The biggest task Enzo Maresca faced in his first season at Chelsea had been, he suggested before this crowning moment, to convince his squad the Conference League mattered. As the entire playing staff streamed across the turf to hail Moisés Caicedo's clincher, they offered up a convincing impression of a group that had firmly grasped the message. Palmer did not quite dominate this final but he bent it in Chelsea's direction, drifting this way and that until everything around him clicked. Before his delivery on to the primed head of Enzo Fernández, they had grasped for synthesis without threatening it. After he twisted a milky Jesús Rodríguez inside out and offered up an unorthodox finish for Nicolas Jackson's collection they resembled giants against helpless waifs. For all the heated celebrations, which began in earnest once Jadon Sancho had scored their best goal, this was a title won in cold, dead-eyed Premier League blood. This chilly, gusty night in Silesia dealt the illusion of romance before surrendering to stark reality. A fun, smart Real Betis side should have been more than a goal up by half-time: they were brisker, quicker, slicker, their penalty area seemingly protected by the wall of baying, singing, whistling green and white shirts positioned behind. There was a thrill in wondering how Betis's massed support, who did not experience Chelsea's problems in selling out their allocation, might respond to a first European trophy of their lives. Perhaps they would have heralded it had Benoît Badiashile not managed to deflect Johnny Cardoso's shot wide midway through that opening period. It would have put them 2-0 ahead and, at that point, Chelsea's appetite would have been thoroughly tested. Betis were a joy to watch for spells, Isco pulling the ball down from the sky in one action and harrying back towards his own corner flag to chauffeur it for a goal kick in another. His assist was an exhibition of vision nobody else on the pitch could have produced. The left winger and goalscorer Abde Ezzalzouli fizzed into the space behind Malo Gusto, beating him for skill when the pair faced off. There was a pureness to both Betis's quality and their quest. Then the billion-pound boys took charge against a team valued at little more than a tenth of that figure. Betis could not compensate for the early withdrawals of Ezzalzouli and the left-back Ricardo Rodriguez. Chelsea were able to lock them down from the bench by wielding their physical, clinical cutting edge. Sancho, their Manchester United outcast, added a crucial spark and could console an emotional Antony, his Betis equivalent, after the final whistle. Chelsea scored 45 goals in their 15 Conference League games, conceding only 12. Until Betis's short-lived bravura show, a minor scare against Servette in the playoff round was as dicey as things got. Nobody can, or should, contort themselves into producing reasons for Chelsea not to deserve winning the competition. Their dominance has been overwhelming. But it is also difficult to make a case that it brings any broader positives for a tournament designed to elevate the continent's less heralded classes. They have been a cheat code en masse, barreling through an event that was never intended for them. Those viewing that as a melodramatic take may point to the Cup Winners' Cup, which served a similar function even if it was stocked through different means. In 1998 Chelsea won it for the second time, beating another handy Betis team in the last eight. The semi-final lineup was completed by Stuttgart, Vicenza and Lokomotiv Moscow; geopolitical caveats aside, it would hardly have looked out of place as a Conference League final four. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion The Premier League, though, had nothing resembling its present overwhelming financial advantage then. It was beginning to take root but, back then, nobody would have named its fourth-placed side runaway favourites against La Liga's sixth. The expansion of Europe's club competitions, which will be more bloated than ever by England's teams and their riches next season, is in clear danger of stretching the rest of the continent too thinly. Perhaps only the top flight's three relegated sides would not have fancied their chances of making it to Wroclaw this time. None of that is to diminish Chelsea's giddy satisfaction at a job well done; at a strange, sometimes sullen season hitting the two spots that really mattered within 76 hours of each other. Nor is it to speak ill of Palmer's compelling quality, which is showing a habit of rearing up in major finals and surfaced at the right time here. That is what £40m brings you. Betis would depart the tilted playing field licking their wounds. 'I do not seek fleeting glory, but rather that of your name,' their fans' banner had read at kick-off. It is Chelsea whose letters are carved forever on to the trophy.
