The Polish pet food market, valued at zł4.3 billion, is projected to grow annually by 5-7%. Cat food expenditure surpasses that of dog food, with wet food and small packages being the most popular. Multinational corporations Mars and Nestlé lead the market, with private labels from Biedronka, Lidl, and Auchan also significant. Drugstore chain dm's private label 'Dein Bestes' is notably successful, comprising 75% of its pet category turnover.

Polish President Andrzej Duda announced that Poland will send four MiG-29 aircraft to Ukraine in the coming days, with more to follow. These aircraft were acquired from the East German air force in the early 1990s and are nearing the end of their operational life. They will be replaced by South Korean FA-50 and F-35 aircraft. Slovakian Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad also confirmed Slovakia's readiness to transfer 10 MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine.

The Polish government reached an agreement with farmers to end nationwide protests by suspending imports of Ukrainian agricultural products. The decision, pending final approval by Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government, follows significant farmer protests against Ukrainian imports and EU climate policies. The European Commission recently relaxed certain agricultural restrictions, likely influenced by upcoming European Parliament elections. The suspension of Ukrainian imports may face resistance from other European countries that benefit from cheaper grain imports.

China's solar energy industry has outpaced the EU and US, with production costs dropping by 42% in 2023 to $0.15 per watt, giving Chinese manufacturers a significant cost advantage. China now controls 80% of global solar module production capacity and is expected to supply over 50% of global electricity by 2050. Despite progress in renewable energy policies in the EU and US, they struggle to match China's scale and cost efficiency, driven by large-scale manufacturing and supply chain benefits.

Poland's new coalition government led by Donald Tusk of the Civic Platform party (PO) faces the challenge of dealing with the domestic banking community that supported the previous Law and Justice (PiS) party's financial nationalism. Polish bankers have been instrumental in pushing for state interventionism and the 'repolonization' of the banking sector. The PO-led government is expected to continue some forms of 'economic patriotism' while attracting foreign direct investment. Experts like Marek Naczyk and Jan Boguslawski discuss the implications of these policies on Poland's economy and its role in European integration.

A significant escalation in maritime attacks occurred when Yemen's Houthi rebels fired ballistic missiles at three commercial ships in the Red Sea. This follows the seizure of a Japanese-operated cargo ship by the Houthis, who are backed by Iran. The incident has heightened concerns over maritime security, with Israel condemning the attack as an act of terrorism. Experts predict continued risks to shipping, particularly for vessels with Israeli connections. The UN estimates piracy costs the global shipping trade up to $12 billion annually, though insurers have not yet changed their practices.

On November 19, Yemeni Huthi militants hijacked the cargo ship 'Galaxy Leader' in the Red Sea, raising Palestinian and Yemeni flags. The ship, owned by Israeli businessman Abraham Ungar, was en route from Turkey to India. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office accused Iran of being behind the attack. The Japanese shipping company Nippon Yusen is gathering information about the 25-member crew. On November 26, the US Navy captured five pirates attempting to hijack the tanker 'Central Park' operated by an Israeli businessman. The incidents are linked to geopolitical tensions, particularly between the USA and Iran, and are seen as part of Iran's retaliation against sanctions. Experts anticipate continued targeting of ships associated with Israel. The Huthis, with Iran's support, are believed to have shifted their strategy, now focusing on political motivations rather than economic ones for hijacking ships. The United Nations estimates piracy costs global shipping up to $12 billion annually. Despite the recent events, the threat to shipping remains low, and no significant changes in insurance practices or shipping routes are expected.

On November 19, Houthi rebels from Yemen seized a Japanese-operated cargo ship in the Red Sea, raising flags of Palestine and Yemen. The ship, owned by Ray Shipping and operated by Nippon Yusen, was en route from Turkey to India. Israel condemned the act as Iranian terrorism, while experts noted the geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran as a backdrop. The incident highlights ongoing piracy risks in key maritime routes, with potential implications for global shipping security and costs. The U.S. Navy recently thwarted another piracy attempt, underscoring the persistent threat in the region.

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is a free-trade deal between Canada and the EU, signed in 2016 and provisionally applied since then. As of December 2022, 17 EU member states have ratified the agreement. CETA eliminates or reduces tariffs, recognizes regulated professions, enforces intellectual property rights, and allows both parties to regulate freely in public interest areas. The European Commission estimates €500 million in annual savings for EU exporters and expects CETA to boost trade, create jobs, and level the playing field on intellectual property rights. Critics argue CETA weakens consumer rights, benefits big business, and includes a controversial dispute settlement mechanism. The EU is Canada's second largest trading partner, with significant trade and investment between the two. A 2017 poll found 55% of Canadians support CETA.

The opposition alliance in Poland, led by Donald Tusk, is considering scrapping the Central Communication Port (CPK) project, a major infrastructure initiative integrating air, rail, and road transport. Critics argue the project is a costly and socially damaging embodiment of right-wing megalomania, while supporters claim it is essential for economic growth and logistics improvement. The project, estimated to cost around $10 billion, has already seen significant investment and land acquisition. However, local residents express concerns over unfair compensation and environmental impact. The debate continues on whether the project will benefit Poland or serve political interests.