China and Poland have launched a new rail connection as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to enhance trade between the two nations. This development is seen as a potential opportunity for Europe to export products to Asia, with Poland hoping to balance its trade relationship with China. However, tensions on the Polish-Belarusian border and EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles could impact the project's success. The EU's recent tariffs on China-made battery electric vehicles highlight ongoing economic tensions, while experts suggest that other European countries may also seek Chinese investments.

Germany and Poland have initiated a new phase of cooperation after years of strained relations under the previous Polish government led by PiS. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz signed a 'plan of action' to enhance collaboration in military, industrial, cultural, and educational sectors. The agreement aims to strengthen security and defense, particularly in the Baltic region and NATO's eastern flank, in response to threats from Russia. However, experts note the lack of concrete commitments or financial details. The initiative 'A Safe Sky Over Europe' was highlighted as a key project for regional security.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced plans to compensate approximately 40,000 Polish victims of Nazi occupation during World War II. In Warsaw, Scholz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk discussed migration policy and security cooperation. Despite expressed willingness for joint action, no specific financial or operational commitments were made. The discussions highlighted Poland's ongoing prioritization of security issues in Europe. Expert analysis suggests that while Poland has proposed several initiatives, Germany's response has been largely symbolic. The search for allies remains crucial in the current political climate.

The Lithuanian Green Party is fielding an all-female candidate list for the European elections to highlight societal inequalities, such as the underrepresentation of women in politics and the gender pay gap. Candidates like Ieva Budraite, Rasma Pazemeckaite, and Emilija Svobaite are advocating for women's rights, Roma community rights, and migrant rights, respectively. Despite progress, gender inequality remains a significant issue in many European countries. Experts note an increasing number of women entering politics to drive change, although they still face traditional gender roles.

In Estonia, nearly 300,000 Russian-speaking citizens are preparing for the upcoming European Parliament elections. Many support pro-European candidates like Jana Toom, distancing themselves from Russian leadership. Some young Estonians from Russian families aim to bridge ethnic divides. However, pro-Kremlin voices exist, such as Aivo Peterson, currently in jail for alleged collaboration with Russian intelligence. Not all Russian residents can vote due to citizenship issues, highlighting the complex dynamics within Estonia's Russian diaspora.

Robert Bakiewicz, known for leading Poland's nationalist Independence Day march, has announced the formation of a new nationalist-Catholic political party, Indipendenza, which aims to withdraw Poland from the European Union. The party's platform includes mandatory military service, patriotic education, easier access to firearms, and opposition to EU green and migration policies. A recent poll shows 20% of Poles support leaving the EU, influenced by anti-European narratives from the previous ultraconservative government led by the Diritto e Giustizia party. Despite this, pro-European sentiment remains strong, bolstered by the election of Donald Tusk's pro-EU government.

Euroscepticism is rising in Poland despite the pro-EU government led by Donald Tusk. Robert Bakiewicz, leader of the newly formed Independence Party, advocates for Poland's exit from the EU, citing economic and cultural burdens. The party's platform includes mandatory military service, patriotic education, and easier access to firearms. Approximately 20% of Poles support leaving the EU, influenced by past ultraconservative government policies and conflicts over Ukrainian grain. However, the pro-EU sentiment has grown since Tusk's government took office, emphasizing the importance of EU and NATO membership for Poland's security.

Belarus continues its massive repression of independent media, making it one of the most dangerous countries in Europe for journalists. Independent media cannot operate within Belarus, leading outlets like 'Euroradio' to relocate to Poland. The state-run BTRC is the only media operating normally, spreading regime propaganda. Reporters Without Borders' Svoboda satellite channels provide independent journalism to Russian-speaking populations from exile. In Russia, independent media face prohibitions and censorship, especially since the invasion of Ukraine. A small percentage of the Russian population accesses independent information, highlighting the importance of projects like Svoboda for free information flow in Eastern Europe.

Belarusians worldwide will celebrate Freedom Day on March 25 with renewed hope for their country's liberation. Independent Belarusian media, primarily operating from abroad, now have more ways to deliver truthful information to those remaining in the country. 'Reporters Without Borders' launched the 'Freedom' satellite package, enabling Belarusians and Russians to access independent media programs for free. This initiative aims to counteract the suppression of free press in authoritarian states like Belarus and Russia. Key figures like Pavel Sverdlov and Stanislav Prushinsky emphasize the critical role of independent media in promoting democratic change and combating dictatorship. The project also seeks to increase the percentage of the Russian population with access to independent information.

A Polish court has allowed the Turów coal mine near the Czech border to continue operating under a temporary concession amidst ongoing legal battles. The mine is fulfilling its environmental obligations, while some miners are retraining for jobs in the green energy sector. Wind farms are becoming more popular in Poland and Europe, with significant employment potential. The green transition poses political challenges, particularly in regions like Silesia, which holds substantial political and industrial significance.