The Warsaw Voice magazine, Winter 2020, Nov.30, issue 1224

Winter 2020 No. 1224

USA-Poland: Not So New Deal Page 11 Focus on Poland | Published since 1988

Polish Veto in the EU? Page 9

Women’s Strike: We Will Defeat You With Love ISSN 0860-7591

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Table of contents POLITICS AND SOCIETY

Women’s Strike: We Will Defeat You With Love End of Prenatal Medical Care?

4-7 8

POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Polish Veto in the EU? USA - Poland: Not So New Deal

9-10 11-12

REAL ESTATE

The booming Tricity warehouse market The heart of Polish logistics Lower Silesian warehouse market flourishes JLL analyses office markets

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Kujawsko-Pomorskie: Your path to success Włocławek: Perfect Place for Your Business Invest on Grudziądz A Healthy Business Climate?

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WOMEN’S STRIKE: WE WILL DEFEAT YOU WITH LOVE Professor Andrzej Rychard, director of the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, talks to Witold Żygulski.

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or several weeks now, a wave of protests has been sweeping across Poland after the Constitutional Tribunal’s ruling practically prohibiting abortion due to malformations and damage to the fetus. What kind of impact has the Women’s Strike had on the situation in Poland?

In my opinion, it is, or at least is meant to be, a real breakthrough. We have a few features of this situation that may not yet qualify it as revolutionary, but it comes close. First of all, there is quite a strong social mobilization resulting from the frustration of women’s communities. However, this frustration does not only concern women and does not only come down to issues related to abortion. Although this is the main catalyst of the protests, the Women’s Strike has a wider dimension. It results from various types of restrictions on freedom. This process is based on the defense of liberal values, contradicting the argument that Polish society is rather conservative and does not like liberalism. However, the second necessary factor 4

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that could lead to some fundamental systemic change is the existence of a program of changes. Frustration itself is a necessary but not sufficient condition. The protesters must have some model of the future to pursue. Does this model exist? In my opinion, yes. The Women’s Strike movement has managed to revive a slogan that appeared to have become passé: the anti-PiS slogan. It has gained new relevance. Today this is enough for the first element of a program. The anti-PiS idea has come to mean a desire and respect for freedom, liberal and European values, and respect for individual rights.

THE WOMEN’S STRIKE MOVEMENT HAS MANAGED TO REVIVE A SLOGAN THAT APPEARED TO HAVE BECOME PASSÉ: THE ANTI-PIS SLOGAN The Warsaw Voice

damaged or malformed) are not consistent with the Constitution in the third point, legalizing the “eugenic practice” and depriving the unborn child of protection of human dignity, which constitutes discrimination.

The decision of the CT has provoked unprecedented street protests across the country. The participants spoke of a disgraceful attack on women’s freedom. The demonstrations, conducted under the aegis of the

Women’s Strike, continue to this day, with the participation of tens or even hundreds of thousands of people.

To this day the verdict of CT has not been published, i.e. it has not formally entered into force. The President proposed the possibility of abortion in case of “lethal defects” of the embryo. The case caused a deep internal conflict within the ruling party and reopened a sharp ideological discussion.

POLITICS AND SOCIETY

ON OCTOBER 22ND, the Polish Constitutional Tribunal, unrecognized by a large part of the Polish legal community and European legal institutions because of the illegal procedure of appointing judges, ruled that the provisions of the socalled abortion compromise in force since 1993, allowing for termination of pregnancy in three cases (rape or incest, threatening the mother’s life or stating that the fetus has been

Photo PAP

Finally, the third element necessary for the protests to have the power to introduce systemic changes, is some form of political instrumentation. This is not yet present in the Women’s Strike, it is still missing. At present the protests are not accompanied by the organization of anti-PiS political groups or forces. This is a task more for the political environment than for the protesters themselves, although we must be aware that we are dealing with a certain distancing. On one hand, opposition politicians do not want to openly join in the street protests, because they don’t want, cynically speaking, to capitalize on them quickly and brutally for their own interests. On the other hand, the protesters are not seeking too much political representation yet. But if the Women’s Strike is really to lead to liberal systemic change, such a political representation is essential. This is, of course, a task for today’s opposition in the broadest sense. They should come up with proposals for the protesters, use the protests as a kind of vehicle for systemic change. It would have to take the form of a program agreement of the opposition parties, which would not have to mean a formal coalition or a joint stand in elections. They would have to create a new political entity, existing primarily in the sphere of the language of communication.

The opposition movements, both parliamentary and non-parliamentary, can work out a catalog of necessary changes together, while maintaining their differences. Ideological agreement can be left for later, but they have to let public opinion know that it can be worked out. In short, and using marketing terminology, the Women’s Strike must acquire its political brand.

The Warsaw Voice

Photo PAP

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MEPs condemn Polish law The European Parliament adopted a resolution on November 26 criticising the ban on the right to abortion in Poland.

In a resolution adopted with 455 votes to 145 and 71 abstentions, Parliament says that the ruling of 22 October by Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal to make abortion illegal in cases involving severe and irreversible fetal defects “puts women’s health and lives at risk”, as most legal abortions in the country are performed on those grounds. Banning that option, which accounted for 96% of legal pregnancy terminations in Poland in 2019 (1,074 out of 1,110), would lead to an increase in “unsafe, clandestine and life-threatening abortions”, MEPs warn.

The text notes that the decision was made by “judges who are elected by and are fully dependent on politicians from the ruling coalition led by the Law and Justice Party (PiS)”.

Parliament underscored that, in line with the European Court of Human Rights’ case law, restrictive abortion laws violate women’s human rights. MEPs agreed that unhindered and timely access to reproductive health services and respect for women’s reproductive autonomy and decision-making is critical to protecting women’s human rights and gender equality.

Women’s rights are fundamental rights, stated the Chamber, recalling that the EU institutions and the member states are legally obliged to uphold and protect them. MEPs pointed out that Polish medical professionals are increasingly invoking the conscience clause, even when asked to prescribe contraceptives, or to prevent access to prenatal screening. Thousands of Polish women are forced to travel abroad every year to access a health service as essential as abortion, further endangering their health and putting their well-being at risk, they added.

MEPs expressed their support and solidarity with Polish citizens, in particular women and LGBTI+ persons who “despite the public health risks, took to the streets to protest against grave restrictions on their fundamental freedoms and rights”.

They note that the ruling was made when there were severe restrictions in place to counter the COVID-19 pandemic, “impeding any proper democratic debate”.

The text condemned the excessive and disproportionate use of force and violence against protesters by law enforcement forces and others such as far-right nationalistic groups.

According to Parliament, this ruling is “yet another example of the political takeover of the judiciary and the systemic collapse of the rule of law” in Poland. MEPs asked the Commission to assess the unlawful composition of the Constitutional Tribunal.

According to the Parliament, the Tribunal’s composition constitutes grounds for challenging its rulings and thus its ability to uphold the Polish Constitution. The Council, for its part, should address this and other allegations of violations of fundamental rights in Poland in the framework of the Article 7(1) proceedings.

understood anti-authority front to win an advantage. The opposition does not have to show much unity, because those in power are destroying their own unity. The ruling United Right has come a long way from the monolith of a few years ago. There is also a visible leadership crisis; even many devoted supporters of the Law and Justice party, as evidenced by research, believe that Jarosław Kaczyński should leave the leader’s seat. The system of power is beginning to lose its legitimacy; the institutional changes remain, but their normative basis is already being questioned. Faith in the effectiveness of the ruling camp’s actions, such as the current quarrel over the European Union budget, is weaker.

WE HAVE A FEW FEATURES OF THIS SITUATION THAT MAY NOT YET QUALIFY IT AS REVOLUTIONARY, BUT IT COMES CLOSE I usually avoid the analogy between what is happening today and the period of the decline of communism, but if we look at these events in general terms, we can see a similar decline of the authoritarian system. In 1980, we did some research on the conflict between Solidarity and the Polish United Workers’ Party [PZPR, the communist party which was then in power] in factories. During the strikes in the summer of 1980, we saw that the conflict line ran very low, at the foreman level.

Subsequent research, carried out just before the imposition of martial law on Dec. 13, 1981, showed that these borders had gone up, and the world of the communist “them” had begun to shrink rapidly. The authorities reacted to this, and the internal erosion of the communist camp led to martial law. Later I observed a similar growing trend at the end of the 1980s; I did not believe at the time that this unwanted system would collapse, but research showed the collapse of faith in the system’s legitimacy in the eyes of PZPR members themselves. They in-

Photo PAP

In your opinion, who on the Polish political scene can best use the popularity of the current protests to their advantage?

I think that it is high time opposition politicians stopped thinking in terms of the success of a particular group, and started leveling out their divisions. This is supported by another extremely important factor: the erosion of the government camp. It enables any pressure put on by the broadly 6

Winter 2020

The Warsaw Voice

POLITICS AND SOCIETY

Photo PAP

creasingly talked about allowing the opposition to exist, about pluralism of trade unions, etc. This delegation of power led to the elections on June 4, 1989 and the fall of communism.

In my opinion, the fundamental question facing Poland today is: If the systemic breakthrough is close, and I believe it is, will the reaction of the authorities be closer to Dec. 13, 1981 or June 4, 1989?

But is resolving the situation by force at all realistic today?

No, of course not. The comparison with martial law goes much too far. The question is whether the authorities will try to find a model of agreement or whether they will continue to penalize the protests. In 1989, people generally believed that the strong Solidarity movement had defeated the weak communists. This was not the case; studies by Polish and American sociologists show that Solidarity was already much weaker than in the early 1980s, but the communist party was even weaker. It was therefore an encounter and conflict between weak partners. Today the power system in Poland is visibly eroded and is similarly weak, and the civic awakening is a fact. Therefore, I believe that system changes are fully possible and we can talk about a breakthrough situation.

Can the Women’s Strike movement introduce some new value to Polish politics, or will it be absorbed, sooner or later, by one of the opposition forces - the Left, the Civic Coalition or Szymon Hołownia’s Poland 2050 movement?

It is very difficult to say whether this protest movement can be squeezed into the existing political framework. The Women’s Strike brings many new elements. It is based on slogans invented a long time ago - the defense of individual freedom and The Warsaw Voice

I USUALLY AVOID THE ANALOGY BETWEEN WHAT IS HAPPENING TODAY AND THE PERIOD OF THE DECLINE OF COMMUNISM, BUT IF WE LOOK AT THESE EVENTS IN GENERAL TERMS, WE CAN SEE A SIMILAR DECLINE OF THE AUTHORITARIAN SYSTEM human rights - but as far as its form is concerned, the movement contains many new features, such as protesting without aggression. The forms of often excellent humor accompanying the demonstrations on posters, in memes and protest slogans, are also worth noting and emphasizing. Therefore, there is growing support for the Women’s Strike in social media, a kind of humor community is being created. It is like a movement of families against fanatics, in which families with children go for walks and publicly reclaim slogans about community, family or Catholic morality, taking them away from PiS. Right-wing nationalist slogans are publicly ridiculed, but without exaggerated aggression. One of the slogans of the Women’s Strike is “We will defeat you with love.”

This is definitely a new element; the question is, though, what place there might be for it in the Polish political structure.

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END OF PRENATAL MEDICAL CARE? Marek R. Litmanowicz, Ph.D., specialist in prenatal testing

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here are two aspects of the consequences of the Constitutional Tribunal’s judgment. The first boils down to answering the question: What will be allowed in theory and what will be possible in practice? Of course, prenatal tests have not been banned; any patient who is qualified for such diagnostics will be able to get tested within the National Health Fund (NFZ) system of services [100-percent reimbursed by the state].

We are talking about basic blood tests determining the likelihood of genetic defects in the fetus. Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein A determines the probability of Patau syndrome, Edwards syndrome and, of course, Down syndrome.

As part of NFZ services, you can also have an amniocentesis, for which you are referred after consulting a genetic clinic.

Prenatal diagnostics also includes a biopsy of umbilical cord vessels in the case of suspected malformation, after gynecological consultation and ultrasound examination. This is also legal, but if the fetus dies as a result of such a procedure, the doctor might be accused of murder, given the judiciary apparatus’ current approach.

The result will be this: Clinical facilities will officially declare their readiness to perform prenatal diagnostics; no one will renounce this in order to meet European standards.

However, a large number of patients will not get tested; they will be afraid that even if the Marek R. Litmanowicz, Ph.D examination does not go well, there will be nothing to be done about it. In addition, many doctors, especially those who have signed the so-called conscience clause, will simply not inform patients about the possibility of getting tested or refer them for such tests.

Private diagnostics (no refund) is another option. More affluent patients will always be able to undergo prenatal diagnosis. Tests that extract data from a woman's blood to determine the fetus's karyotype currently cost about 2,000 zlotys. But we do not know whether, under the authorities’ future measures, such tests will remain legal; if not, prenatal diagnostics will cease to exist.

Aspect number two is the answer to the question: If a patient is informed that her fetus is seriously damaged, what then? The vast majority of defects detected by prenatal tests (not counting ultrasounds) are not lethal defects, and even finding obvious damage to the fetus will not be grounds for 8

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terminating the pregnancy. Even if the Polish president’s proposed amendment on lethal defects were to come into force, it is very difficult to specify and medically define them so that they can be unequivocally diagnosed. Doctors will find themselves under enormous pressure; so-called “defenders of life” will park their vans in front of every clinic that undertakes such testing, and they will call the doctors murderers.

Already with the current legislation, it has been difficult to perform legal forms of abortion, i.e. when the pregnancy was a result of rape or incest, or when the pregnancy threatened the life or health of the woman. As far as I know, all the hospitals in Podkarpackie province have already signed the above-mentioned conscience clause and a pregnancy cannot be legally terminated anywhere. Therefore, even during the time of the still valid “abortion compromise” from 1993, which is in fact a very restrictive law on the admissibility of abortion, it was often difficult to implement it. What will happen now is easy to guess.

Richer patients will get their prenatal diagnosis abroad.

Here in Poland, we will observe not so much a lack of progress as simply a regression in the field of prenatal testing and therapy. Today in Poland, it is an area that is not inferior to world standards. Not only advanced research but also state-of-the-art therapies are being carried out, to mention decompression of hydrocephalus, renal decompression or really advanced, pioneering surgeries in which a sick fetus either undergoes endoscopic fetal surgery or is taken out of the uterus (while preserving the amniotic fluid), operated on, put back in, flooded with amniotic fluid and sealed with tissue glue. Such operations are only performed on fetuses that would otherwise have no chance of survival, but what doctor will undertake them once the law starts treating him or her like a killer if such a procedure fails?

Today in Poland we have a really high, European or even global standard of prenatal diagnostics. But there is a risk of a total crisis in this area if specialists withdraw from the profession for fear of not just professional but also legal consequences.

In countries such as Germany, France or the Netherlands, any doctor signing a document like the Polish “conscience clause” would lose their right to practice medicine the next day. The law of these countries clearly states that healthcare workers should be guided by science and medical knowledge, not by religion or any ideology. The situation in Poland is absurd: Dr. [Bolesław] Piecha [a member of the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party], a gynecologist, speaks publicly about the “dignity of the embryo”; he pretends not to know that the cells responsible for thinking and consciousness develop around the 25th to 26th week of pregnancy. The embryo, which is undoubtedly human, therefore has no consciousness before then. Medically speaking, the stories disseminated by pro-life movements and recently, unfortunately, by public television, are fiction.

The Warsaw Voice

Jan Truszczyński, former long-time ambassador of Poland to the European Union, talks to Witold Żygulski.

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POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

POLISH VETO IN THE EU? have been a journalist for 37 years and I never thought I would ever ask someone such a question: Has Poland gone to war with the European Union?

I wouldn’t go so far as to make military comparisons, but things are not going well. The current situation is a result of the internal conflict of the ruling party [Law and Justice, PiS], and it is also partly due to their desire to extract some concessions from the others in the European Union, which could be sold as a success in their own camp.

I believe that even now, despite the increasing instability of the government, we are not witnessing a reckless Polish “charge of the uhlans.” I hope that Polish negotiators have at least some idea on what could be realistically obtained by taking such a drastic stance [i.e. a possible veto on the EU budget for 2021-2027]. I assume that all the costs regarding Poland’s relations with other EU countries have been included in the equation, including those image-related and long-term ones.

All in all, I would hope that if we are dealing with an attempt at a strategic approach to European affairs, there is a way out of this conflict without a suicidal solution, i.e. the real announcement of the [prime minister’s] suggested veto on the EU budget and blocking of EU financial instruments. Of course, I could be wrong, but it seems (and I hope) that the team around Mateusz Morawiecki can see the consequences of such a step. Otherwise, surely they wouldn’t charge so stupidly...

Jan Truszczyński

being considered, it would wait for a verdict without taking legal steps; a weak idea, because how can any EU actor lawfully claim he is not temporarily bound by the law which is formally in force across the entire Union?

Another scenario is an interpretative declaration that can be proposed by the European Commission, at the level of the College of Commissioners or only by the commissioner responsible for budget implementation. But would this be a face-saving fig leaf for Poland and Hungary? I doubt it.

I am happy to see your optimism...

It is not optimism, but hope. Since [Hungarian leader Viktor] Orban and Polish PM Mateusz Morawiecki have gotten themselves into this cul-de-sac, they have to figure out themselves how to get out, while insisting that their gambit paid off.

Hopefully readiness to talk plus concrete suggestions are already presented to the current German presidency of the EU. Various options are apparently under consideration.

For instance, an idea that Poland and Hungary would appeal against the “rule of law and funds” regulation to the Court of Justice of the European Union, while the European Commission would declare that while such a complaint was The Warsaw Voice

THOSE RULING POLAND HAVE CERTAINLY BEEN WORKING HARD TO EARN THE STATUS OF A QUARRELSOME AND UNREPENTANT MARGINALIZED OUTLIER Winter 2020

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Mateusz Morawiecki and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commision, Photo PAP

Stability Mechanism established in 2012, or the Schengen agreement of 1985. It is clear that alternatives to the recovery fund are thinkable and doable; the question is: would Poland or Hungary participate in them?

Some politicians, especially the ruling camp, play down the Warsaw-Brussels crisis today by saying that a possible provisional budget could be an even better financial solution for Poland than the standard EU budget. How do you comment on this?

Let’s talk about the worst-case scenario: What will happen if the Polish budget veto becomes a fact?

If Poland’s and Hungary’s stonewalling continues, we will face a situation where the EU’s financial instruments, its multiannual budget and, it should be stressed, recovery fund, i.e. funds for combating the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, come under very serious threat. This would be a precedent: There are no tools for resolving a situation when there is no unanimity in the Council of the EU. As to the EU long-term budget and the 2021 annual budget, obviously we would have instead a provisional regime of twelve monthly appropriations (installments). How long would it last? No one knows. And, moreover, it would be a painful hit for every member state. Regarding possible alternatives to the current recovery fund, one way to go about it might be the enhanced cooperation between some Member States on the basis of Article 326 of the European Treaties. Another possible option could be a fund set up under an intergovernmental agreement, just like the European

All the people speaking out about this obviously have too little information. The EU has not had provisional budgets for a very long time, practically since the mid-1980s. So we are talking about a terra incognita. Adjusting IT and accounting systems would not be a problem. But multiannual financial framework and standard annual budgets are is very different from financing by a regime of provisional twelfths.

Ongoing projects would be funded, but the 40-odd spending programmes under the new long-term budget could not be launched – so zero new projects, no new commitments for research and innovation, for healthcare cooperation, for students going on Erasmus, and so on. Huge problems, which could however be lifted in a split second, all we need is green light from Poland and Hungary.

Does the current dispute over the budget and the rule of law mean that we have earned ourselves the reputation of a troublemaker in the EU? Those ruling Poland have certainly been working hard to earn the status of a quarrelsome and unrepentant marginalized outlier. The country’s international reputation is in shambles and this outcome is entirely attributed to the efforts of the ruling PiS team. They continue to dig deeper the hole in which they find themselves and into which they have dragged Poland. Unfortunately, the negative stereotype view of today’s Poland in other other EU capitals will take a long time and a lot of effort to overcome.

Mateusz Morawiecki with Victor Orban, Photo PAP

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The Warsaw Voice

Prof. Bohdan Szklarski, a specialist in American studies, lecturer at the University of Warsaw and the Collegium Civitas private university, spoke to Witold Żygulski.

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new tenant will move into the White House in January. How will this affect Polish-U.S. relations, especially given that Donald Trump is openly supported by politicians from the ruling right wing as well as government media?

Indeed, the people who govern Poland have put all their proverbial eggs in one basket. However, I am convinced that there will be no drastic deterioration of relations, because we are simply not important enough as a country.

There is nothing to be afraid of, but there is an unpleasant aftertaste. Much has been said in Warsaw in recent years about our special relations with the United States; I think we will be given a reality check. We have been pumping this balloon ourselves for years, boasting about the friendship of U.S. presidents, military cooperation, and so on.

Meanwhile, we should realize that Poland is not and cannot be a strategic partner for Washington; simply put, we play in a much lower league. Maybe Joe Biden’s victory will be a sobering experience.

On the other hand, today it is hard to tell where and by whom the foundations of Poland’s policy toward the United States are being built. Until now, it seemed that it was the presidential center, but after the embarrassment of supporting Trump and not congratulating Biden (Andrzej Duda only congratulated him on a “successful election campaign”), the Polish president’s position has been significantly undermined. This has been compounded by internal friction within the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party around the presidenProf. Bohdan Szklarski tial draft law on abortion. It The Warsaw Voice

POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

USA - POLAND: NOT SO NEW DEAL MUCH HAS BEEN SAID IN WARSAW IN RECENT YEARS ABOUT OUR SPECIAL RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES; I THINK WE WILL BE GIVEN A REALITY CHECK is really difficult to say where the policy toward Washington is being developed right now.

During Trump’s term of office, however, we heard many declarations from both sides that Polish-U.S. relations had never been better. What remains of that today?

It is easy to see that Polish-U.S. relations were “special” mostly on a declarative level. As soon as Poland put itself on a collision course with the United States, the other side voiced its dissatisfaction without hesitation. When the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) law was passed in Poland, the State Department did not hesitate to immediately criticize it. The same happened with the so-called re-Polonization of media: When it concerned the TVN television station, which is controlled by U.S. capital, Ambassador Georgette Mosbacher reacted with outrage. Looking at the Americans’ response, it was hard to find the restraint that should characterize countries with “special relations.”

They did not bother waiting for diplomatic channels, nothing was nuanced, no one showed sensitivity. The style in which they told off the Polish people was completely unimportant to the Americans.

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Should we expect a deterioration in relations with the United States?

Joe Biden talks a lot about the need for a community of values in foreign policy. He is referring to the declarations that Jimmy Carter once made. In this area, the new U.S. leader is clearly trying to distinguish himself from Donald Trump. But wherever specific American interests emerge, these values are pushed into the background; I don’t think that will change. And it needs saying that we are a valuable ally for Washington, for example due to buying increasingly advanced weapons made in the United States or considering a partnership in the nuclear power program.

To sum up, I don’t think that our relations will deteriorate, but I don’t foresee any changes for the better either. We can hardly count on an increased U.S. military contingent in Poland; the Pentagon is divided on this. Some of the military do not think that it will have a positive impact on European security. The Americans do not even want to make symbolic gestures. It has been no secret for a long time that the “Fort Trump” idea, which Polish politicians were so enthusiastic about, is fiction. But it is worth noting that processes of building European security with U.S. involvement are continuing, for example through joint command structures, and Biden will have no reason to halt them.

Poland makes regular purchases of U.S. military equipment, paying more than it would have paid potential competitors. The reason is not some kind of rip-off by the Americans, but the fact that Warsaw wants to purchase the most advanced technologies, sometimes even those not yet decently tested. We cannot have the Patriot missile batteries that the Romanians are buying, we must have better ones.

The same can be expected with the planned purchase of nuclear power technology from the United States.

Polish-U.S. relations proceed on many levels. We will certainly have to redefine the concept of transatlantic cooperation in the near future; there are many indications that such a signal will come from Biden’s administration. I hope that it will be appropriately received by European countries.

What do you think will be the likely impact of Biden’s policy toward China on Poland’s interests?

Joe Biden will probably inherit the anti-Chinese policy from Trump, which might be a problem for Poland. On one hand, President Duda has announced his friendship with China, while on the other the Americans are putting on pressure, saying that the New Silk Road will be a Chinese fifth column and that Huawei’s participation in the Polish 5G network project will enable the Chinese to carry out electronic surveillance and espionage. And we wanted those Chinese 5G technologies really badly. However, we will probably pursue a cautious policy so as not to fall into disfavor with Washington. If we were a bigger player, we could test how far we can go, but we even have too little money for effective diplomacy in the United States. Our room for maneuver is limited, as Ambassador Mosbacher has already shown several times.

However, Poland is sending out signals about its need for greater independence; examples of this include refraining from recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Nor do we seem to have abandoned the Palestinian issue altogether; here, too, we are distancing ourselves a little from U.S. politics.

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Photo PAP

Today Poland must, above all, place itself better in the European Union. The new U.S. administration will now renew friendly relations with Germany and France, while we have positioned ourselves on the fringes, on the sidelines of the EU. Trump pursued a policy of weakening the EU, establishing relations with individual Central European countries, hosting Viktor Orban, Andrzej Duda and the Croatian president in the Oval Office. He also supported projects such as the Three Seas Initiative. Biden is more likely to stake his bets on stronger European allies.

In your opinion, what will the relations between the new U.S. president and Russia be like?

We have always assumed that the worse things are along the Washington-Moscow line, the better for us. This assumption of Polish foreign policy should change. We need to mature to normal relations with Russia, but Russia needs to mature to them too. Russian-U.S. relations are frozen today. They are not very bad, but there is not much good in them, either.

Both sides have walked out on disarmament agreements, there are no negotiations, treaties were suspended during the Bush era, not even under Trump. Obama announced a reset, but Putin decided not to play along and invaded Crimea and Ukraine. There was hope for joint responsibility, but nothing came of it. Neither the Americans had anything to offer the Russians, nor the other way around.

Their relations are drifting today. Guided by its own economic interests, Washington has been opposing the Nord Stream project, but this is not just about fighting Russian domination, but about competition on the gas supply market. Besides, there are no serious areas of conflict today; Ukraine is no longer front-page news, and the Americans are also withdrawing from Syria.

The Warsaw Voice

REAL ESTATE

THE BOOMING TRICITY WAREHOUSE MARKET Tricity is currently the seventh warehouse market in Poland in terms of size, characterized by a large and relatively affluent population and low unemployment.

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he region has maintained high growth momentum in recent years and has a potential to continue to expand at a fast rate thanks to its transition from a local logistics market to an important national distribution centre. This is being facilitated by the growing importance of its sea ports and continuously improving road and rail infrastructure. Take-up (excluding short lets) amounted to 177,000 sqm in H1 2020, marking a 266% increase compared to H1 2019. How warehouse market in Pomerania is developing in 2020, AXI IMMO experts decided to check.

“The increase in the attractiveness of the Tricity warehouse and logistics market is a result of the rapidly growing significance of its sea ports, the agglomeration’s convenient location and occupiers’ increased activity due to the expansion of their e-commerce channels. Between 2014 and 2019, transshipments increased by 62% in the Gdańsk sea port and by 24% in the Gdynia sea port.

The region also boasts a cargo airport in Gdańsk and a well-developed road infrastructure, including access to the A1 motorway, which links the region with Southern Poland, and the S7 expressway to Warsaw and Kraków.

Developers 7R and Panattoni are currently particularly active in the market”, comments Danuta Dzierżak, Associate Director Industrial & Logistic at AXI IMMO. “Currently, ports in Gdańsk and Gdynia, including the latter’s DCT container port, are being expanded and modernised. Simultaneously, road works are underway on the S6 expressway, which will provide better access from the region to Szczecin and Berlin. The completion of these investments will enable the Tricity region to attract business from companies based on the Baltic sea.

Moreover, Poland’s strategy of developing multimodal transportation and increased container traffic may be an opportunity for the region to evolve into a pan-European distribution centre on a par with Central Poland and Upper Silesia”, adds Dzierżak.

In H1 2020, new completions in the Tricity warehouse market amounted to 62,000 sqm (+39% vs H1 2019). This brought total stock in the market to 706,000 sqm as at the end of June 2020. Tricity is without a doubt one of the fastest growing warehouse and logistics marThe Warsaw Voice

kets within Poland, with GLA increasing by an impressive 160% over the last 5 years (national average: 115%).

As at the end of June 2020, 206,000 sqm was under construction (+500% year on year). This is an equivalent of 29% of the market’s total stock, which is the 5th highest pipeline relative to the size of the market in the country. The largest schemes currently under construction include Panattoni Gdańsk Airport (total GLA of 111,500 sqm), Panattoni Park Tricity East (32,900 sqm), 7R Gdańsk II (51,000 sqm) and further phases of 7R Tczew (50,000 sqm on top of existing 46,700 sqm).

High supply has been correlated with robust occupier demand. As a result, the vacancy rate in the market stands at 4.3% as at the end of June 2020 - well below the national average of 6.8%. The share of space built on a speculative basis has fallen from 50% at the end of 2019 to just over 30% at the end of June 2020, which also illustrates good absorption of space.

Gross take-up in Tricity, excluding short leases, reached 177,000 sqm in H1 2010 (+266% vs H1 2019). Demand is generated by various groups of occupiers, from logistics companies, retail chains and the FMCG sector, through to construction companies and production. The largest lease of H1 2020 was signed by Globalway - an interior design company - at Panattoni Park Gdańsk East IV, where the firm decided to lease 52,000 sqm. Moreover, two new leases were signed by logistics operators - Omega Pilzno (14,500 sqm) and Greenyard (11,700 sqm) at Panattoni Park Gdańsk East III (Rafineria).

In addition, a textile company took 13,350 sqm at Park TriciDanuta Dzierżak, Associate Director Industrial & Logistic ty North in Rumia. at AXI IMMO

Winter 2020

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THE HEART OF POLISH LOGISTICS Central Poland is the third largest warehouse market in Poland and an important international distribution hub serving the CEE region and the Baltic countries. The main clusters of logistics real estate are located in the Łódź, Stryków and Piotrków Trybunalski submarkets.

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entral Poland is often selected by large logistics firms and retail chains as a location for their central warehouses serving the national market. It also attracts international distribution companies and production firms thanks to its strategic location, access to labour and a favourable business environment. AXI IMMO experts checked how the market is developing and its perspectives.

THANKS TO IT’S WELL-DEVELOPED ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE, THE CENTRAL POLAND REGION IS SELECTED BY LOGISTICS OPERATORS, RETAIL CHAINS AND ELECTRONIC FIRMS AS WELL AS CONSTRUCTION AND DIY COMPANIES Investment activity in Central Poland was particularly high in H1 2020. The largest transaction closed during that period was the acquisition of Logistic City in Piotrków Trybunalski (135,000 sqm) by Polish Logistics LLP, a new investment platform launched by REINO Capital, IO Asset Management and the Grosvenor Group.

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The Warsaw Voice

CURRENTLY, THE CITY SPECIALISES IN URBAN LOGISTICS, LIGHT PRODUCTION DISTRIBUTION

REAL ESTATE

Moreover, Savills Investment Management acquired the Leroy Merlin logistics centre located in the town of Piątek (123,000 sqm). The same investor bought the Łódź East IV park as part of a portfolio transaction signed with Panattoni. Investec, GIC and P3 also became owners of Łódź Logistics assets in H1 2020 as a result of portfolio takeovers. In addition, Segro bought 7R City Flex Łódź and Tritax EuroBox acquired Panattoni Park Stryków III. “Łódź is a strategic location for Polish and international firms seeking expansion in Europe. The Łódź Investor Relations Department has created 44 subzones within the Łódź Special Economic Zone. Location at the crossroads of major European transportation corridors, including the A1 and A2 motorways and the S8 expressway, ensure optimal conditions for distribution to the north, south, west and east. Moreover, the cargo rail connection with Chengdu, launched in 2013, additionally improved the attractiveness of this logistics hub”, comments Hubert Wojtera, Industrial & Logistic Director at AXI IMMO. Total stock of modern warehouse and logistics space amounted to 3.2m sqm as at the end of June 2020. Only 42,000 sqm was delivered in the first six months of 2020 - 83% less compared to H1 2019. Following a period of high development activity by all major players in previous quarters, only three schemes were under construction as at the end of June 2020 - Panattoni City Logistics Łódź II (24,200 sqm), 7R City Flex Łódź II (13,400 sqm) and BTS K-Flex Uniejów (9,500 sqm). The slowdown was triggered by an increase in the amount of space available for immediate occupation. Indeed, total stock in Central Poland increased by 176% over the past 5 years, which was the highest result of all major Polish markets and is well ahead of the national average of 115%. Reduced new supply combined with stable occupier demand resulted in a decrease in the vacancy rate from almost 12% in Q1 2020 to 6.9% at the end of Q2 2020. This result is broadly in line with the national average of 6.8%. Headline rents have been stable meanwhile, ranging from 2.90 euro/sqm in Piotrków Trybunalski to 3.60 euro/sqm in new schemes in Łódź.

“Thanks to its well-developed road infrastructure, the Central Poland region is selected by logistics operators, retail chains and electronic firms as well as construction and DIY companies. All major developers are present on the Łódź market, including Panattoni, Logicor, Goodman, Prologis, P3, Segro, MLP, White Star RE and Hillwood, as well as local players”, adds Wojtera.

A total of 395,000 sqm was leased in the Central Poland market between January and June 2020 (+24% vs H1 2019). This was the second highest gross demand level of all Polish markets (jointly with Upper Silesia).

Space leased in H1 2020 in Central Poland accounted for 12% of this market’s total stock. The largest lease was signed by Amazon at Hillwood Łódź I for 73,000 sqm.

In addition, a retail chain took 51,900 sqm at Exeter Stryków and another retailer extended its 46,600 sqm lease at Segro Logistics Park Stryków. Logistics firms and retail chains were the two most active groups of occupiers, jointly accounting for 65% of all space leased in H1 2020. There has also been a noticeable increase in activity by e-commerce operators and electronic firms.

“The Central Poland warehouse market comprises three main submarkets and two smaller micro loca-

tions that have been developing rapidly over the last few years. Łódź - Central Poland’s dominant city - is the most important warehouse location in the region, characterized by postindustrial architecture which is a product of its long-standing manufacturing traditions. Currently, the city specialises in urban logistics, light production distribution. The second key market is Stryków, which is located north of the city nearby the A2 motorway. This location is one of the most popular choices for national and international distribution centres, including logistics firms and retail chains. Thirdly, Piotrków Trybunalski is situated south of the city of Łódź, on the A1 motorway and nearby the S8 expressway, in close proximity to national roads number 12, 74 and 91. Finally, relatively young submarkets of Kutno, in the northern part of the region, and Rawa Mazowiecka in the east attract occupiers thanks to good access to labour and lower labour costs”, Wojtera comments.

Hubert Wojtera, Industrial & Logistic Director at AXI IMMO

Winter 2020

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LOWER SILESIAN WAREHOUSE MARKET FLOURISHES Lower Silesia - the fourth largest warehouse market in Poland - continues to grow. Developers completed approx.

200,000 sqm of modern logistics space in H1 2020, which combined with somewhat lower demand contributed to an increase in the vacancy rate in this market.

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XI IMMO experts have checked the situation in region, new projects developments and tenants performance.

Four warehousing and logistics assets were subject to investment transactions in the first six months of 2020 in Lower Silesia. The largest of those was Panattoni Wrocław IX with a GLA of 46,000 sqm, which was acquired by Savills Investment Management.

Meanwhile Segro decided to add Panattoni Park City

Logistic Wrocław, with a GLA of 38,000 sqm, to its portfolio, while the Chinese CGL Investment Holdings bought a real estate portfolio of Hines Poland, including a scheme in Legnica with 26,000 sqm. Finally, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC became the owner of DHL’s distribution centre in Wrocław, as part of its acquisition of the Maximus European portfolio from Apollo Global Management.

LOCATIONS NORTH OF THE CITY ARE SUITABLE FOR COMPANIES SEEKING GOOD ACCESS TO POZNAŃ AND CENTRAL POLAND Stock of modern warehousing and logistics real estate in Lower Silesia increased by 200,000 sqm in H1 2020 (+60% compared to H1 2019), bringing the total to 2.5m sqm (+8.2% year on year). Looking at the last 12 months, 526,000 sqm was completed, which is the third 16

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and Wojkowice area thanks to its good access to labour, including availability of seasonal staff during online sales peaks, combined with attractive rental levels. Legnica is a good choice for companies serving the German market. Finally, Oleśnica, Jawor and Bolesławiec are the emerging warehousing locations within Lower Silesia”, adds Kińczyk.

High development activity in Lower Silesia contributed to an increase in the vacancy rate in the market. Only at the end of 2019, 3.7% of total stock was immediately available for occupation. At the end of June, this share jumped to 10.1%, above the national average of 6.8%. This change in market conditions has made developers more open to rent negotiations. Currently, headline rents in A-class buildings in Wrocław stand at EUR 3.3 - 3.7 per sqm.

Gross demand, excluding short-term lets, amounted to 175,000 sqm in the first half of 2020, which is almost 45% lower compared to H1 2019. Short-term leasing activity was at a high level in H1, however. It accounted for 33% of total space leased in Q2 - well above the national average of 16%. Key transactions of H1 2020 include the Żabka supermarket chain taking 22,800 sqm at Panattoni Park Wrocław XII and VS Transport leasing 13,400 sqm at Panattoni Wrocław VII. Logistics operators have been the most active group of occupiers in recent quarters, followed by producers and distributors of electronics and white goods. The Covid-19 pandemic has negatively affected the automotive and clothing industries in the region.

REAL ESTATE

highest result in the country, following Upper Silesia (649,000 sqm) and Warsaw (523,000 sqm). The current size of the market is 46% larger than two years ago. High developer activity in recent years has helped the region maintain its position as the fourth largest logistics real estate market in Poland.

“The Lower Silesian warehouse and logistics market has been growing in size in the last several years. The region is considered an excellent base for distribution centres and production facilities serving Western Europe thanks to its proximity to the German and Czech borders. It also boasts high quality road infrastructure, including two motorways - A4 and A8 - and three expressways - S3, S5 and S8. Lower Silesia has also been successful in attracting warehouse investment thanks to its high supply of good quality investment land, which is less fragmented compared to other parts of the country, has access to utilities and is covered by zoning plans. In addition, occupiers are attracted to the region thanks to its relatively good access to labour and a large pool of students, who are available for seasonal work as well as more skilled jobs following graduation. A very good business environment in Lower Silesia has been appreciated by a number of domestic and international companies, who pursue expansion plans in the region”, comments Damian Kińczyk from Industrial Department at AXI IMMO.

HIGH DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY IN LOWER SILESIA CONTRIBUTED TO AN INCREASE IN THE VACANCY RATE IN THE MARKET The IMMO experts expect a slowdown in development activity in the Wrocław market over the coming months. Of the 187,000 sqm warehouse space currently under construction (-56% year on year), almost 100,000 sqm is built on a speculative basis. All major players that are active in the market, such as Panattoni, Hillwood, Goodman, MLP and 7R, have availability in their parks. Three parks were under construction as at the end of June 2020 and they were all due for completion in Q3 2020. These are Hillwood Oleśnica (53,000 sqm), phase II of Hillwood Wrocław East II (11,500 sqm) and two buildings at Panattoni City Logistics Wrocław with a combined GLA of 23,200 sqm.

“Looking at the submarkets of Upper Silesia, Wrocław-city is chosen by FMCG firms, couriers and light production companies. Wroclaw-south (including Bielany Wrocławskie, Nowa Wieś Wrocławska, Tyniec and Pietrzykowice), with its convenient location on the crossroads of the A4 motorway and the S8 expressway, attracts production and logistics companies. Locations north of the city are suitable for companies seeking good access to Poznań and Central Poland. E-commerce companies have a preference for the Żurawina The Warsaw Voice

Damian Kińczyk, Industrial Department at AXI IMMO

Winter 2020

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JLL ANALYSES OFFICE MARKETS 2020 has been a year of disruptive changes that is challenging entire industries, businesses worldwide, and office markets.

D

uring the summer, some companies returned to their offices in various configurations. Some firms had their employees working in shifts, while some allowed only part of their staff mto return to the office.

Now, with the sharp increase in new COVID-19 cases, many firms are switching back to remote work. They have made such a decision in order to ensure the safety of their employees while maintaining business continuity.

Moreover, for financial reasons, necessary to sustain

Hanna Dąbrowska, Senior Research Analyst, JLL

business performance, some companies have decided to sublease part of their offices. An increasing volume of office space that is being offered for sublease is currently one of the most visible trends on Poland’s office market.

Out of the approx. 116,000 m² of such supply on the major office markets outside Warsaw, 30% is located in Wrocław, followed by the Tri-City and Kraków (with 23% and 22% respectively). Such offers vary from less than 100 m² up to approx. 5,000 m². This gives various companies (from small to large corporations) the opportunity to rent a traditional office for a shorter period of time and more favourable rent than that of a normal lease agreement.

ALTHOUGH DEVELOPER ACTIVITY IN POLAND CONTINUES, SOME COMPLETION DATES MAY BE POSTPONED. FURTHERMORE, SOME DEVELOPMENTS HAVE BEEN TEMPORARILY HALTED BUT ARE EXPECTED TO RESUME IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS 18

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The Warsaw Voice

Although developer activity in Poland continues, some completion dates may be postponed. Furthermore, some developments have been temporarily halted but are expected to resume in the next few months.

The overall vacancy rate for the eight regional markets now stands at 11.9%, which is a 2.8 pp increase year on year and 1.7 pp growth quarter on quarter. Such an increase is due, among other things, to the completion in Q3 2020 of developments which were 52% vacant (overall).

REAL ESTATE

However, limited possibilities of changing the fitout, or often a strictly enforced atypical lease length may result in companies not choosing this option.

After many months of remote work, some companies and individuals are struggling to maintain maximum efficiency. We need spontaneous meetings and daily interaction with other people to boost our creativity and that is why some form of office will always be a focal point for any company.

So, for companies looking for flexible options of lease length, the possibility of changing the number of workstations and hosting face-to-face meetings, flexible offices are a great option.

Due to such challenging times, total take - up volume in Q3 was approx. 40% lower year on year. However, demand for offices from January to September 2020 saw a decrease of only 11 % year on year with 459,400 m² being transacted.

Such a result can be partially put down to Wrocław, Łódź and the Tri-City markets, where respectively, tenant activity in the first three quarters of 2020 was 66%, 46% and 11% higher when compared to the same period last year.

Demand in Q1-Q3 2020 was driven primarily by the renewals of lease agreements, which in Q3 2020 alone represented 52% of tenant activity.

Currently companies often decide to extend their lease rather than relocate.

Examples of the largest renewal agreementssigned in Q1-Q3 2020 were deals signed by Nokia in Wrocław (in two buildings totalling over 28,500 m²) and by ABB in Kraków (20,000 m²).

In addition, the activity of tenants in the IT sector is also worth mentioning. 43% of the total take-up volume and 11 out of the 15 largest transactions in the period were contracts signed by IT tenants, including a pre-let for 16,300 m² by Fujitsu Technology Solutions in Fuzja in Łódź, and a pre-let for 14, 500 m² by a confidential tenant in Tertium Business Park C in Kraków.

In Q1-Q3 2020, 29 new buildings offering a total of 305,100 m² (of which 42 % was delivered in Q3 alone) came onto the regional markets. The largest included: Olivia Prime B (25,000 m², by Olivia Business Centre), and three buildings developed by Skanska Property Poland: Centrum Południe in Wrocław (23,700 m²), Wave A in the Tri-City (26,600 m²) and building 4 of the High5ive complex in Kraków (23,500 m²).

Under construction space in the eight major regional markets now totals ca.700,000 m². It is less than preCOVID-19 levels when the supply under construction ranged from 800,000 m² up to 900,000 m². This is mainly due to the fact that developers continue active construction works but have not started new projects.

Currently, developer activity is mainly concentrated in Katowice, Kraków and the Tri-City (where office stock is set to hit the one million m² mark once all current constructions are completed).

The largest investments outside Warsaw include: Global Office Park by Cavatina and the KTW II tower

by TDJ Estate (both in Katowice), MidPoint 71 by Echo Investment (in Wrocław) and 3T Office Park by Allcon Investment (in the Tri-City).

AFTER MANY MONTHS OF REMOTE WORK, SOME COMPANIES AND INDIVIDUALS ARE STRUGGLING TO MAINTAIN MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY Katowice boasts the lowest vacancy rates (7.0%), while the highest rates are currently in Łódź and Wrocław (both standing at 14.3%).

Currently, the highest rents are quoted in Kraków (€14 to €15.5 /m²/ month), while the lowest are in Lublin (€10.5 to11.5 / m²/ month).

Mateusz Polkowski, Head of Research and Consulting, JLL

Winter 2020

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KUJAWSKO-POMORSKIE:

YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS

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nyone can become an entrepreneur in today’s world. It only takes a few formalities to start your own business. However, the real challenge is creating a company that will make your dreams come true, ensuring financial and personal development. It is also important where the offered services or goods will find buyers or will be easily transportable elsewhere. You can have it all in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province.

Why here?

This region has excellent transport connections with the rest of Poland. It neighbors on five provinces. National and international transport routes intersect here, so business has a good chance to succeed. The Kujawsko-Pomorskie is located in Pan-European Transport Corridor No. VI (Baltic-Adriatic), which connects Scandinavia with Italy and Slovenia. The A1 freeway connecting the north and south of Poland runs through the region, enabling efficient travel from one corner of the country to another. International railway lines intersect here as well: C-E 65 linking the northern and southern parts of the country, and line No. 353 running from the western to the eastern border of Poland. Air connections? The Ignacy Jan Paderewski International Airport lies within Bydgoszcz,

providing international flights as well as domestic flights to Warsaw. The airport makes the province an easily accessible destination for inhabitants of Poland, Europe, and distant parts of the world. With its very good transport connections and easy accessibility, not just regionally, the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province is a great place for setting up and running business operations.

We have an ace up our sleeve!

Actually, we have a whole deck of strong cards to convince you that it is worth launching your business in Kujawsko-Pomorskie.

Why? For example, because of the availability of land: our region offers more than 2,500 hectares, with infrastructure, ready for development. The local authorities attach great importance to creating good conditions for economic development. The residents’ growing awareness and local-government initiatives favor local entrepreneurship and foreign investors, who can count on various forms of support. The provincial authorities are open to entrepreneurs.

Over 196,000 business entities operate here, of which nearly 2,000 are companies with foreign capital. Companies such as Nokia (formerly Alcatel-Lucent), Atos, Nordzucker, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, Mondi, Frosta, Lafarge, Nestle, Raben, DHL, Panattoni, PepsiAmericas, UMC, Orion, Neupack, Solvay, Indorama, Unilever, Bunge, Orkla, Lidl, and Opus Capita (formerly Itella) have decided to locate their projects in the region.

Support at the highest level

Toruń Technology Incubator, Photo Andrzej Goiński

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If you are a new entrepreneur, worried that you will not be able to start your business in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province, you could not be more wrong. Read about the province’s investment offering, which will not only show you how you could develop your company, but also help you financially. The Regional Enterprise Incubators located in Toruń, Bydgoszcz and Włocławek provide entrepreneurs with modern office space on favorable terms, supporting them in administrative and legal matters. The province also boasts 23 subzones of the Pomeranian Special Economic Zone as well as industrial parks, industrial and technological parks, and technology transfer centers.

The Warsaw Voice

How do the provincial authorities come to the aid of company owners? Among other things, through a system of business support that includes the Investor Assistance Center (COI), which is a certified regional center created to actively support investments in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province, providing all possible assistance and practical advice on investment. The COI is the first contact for domestic and foreign investors. Potential investors will be supported in identifying optimal investment opportunities thanks to the personal approach of a dedicated project manager. Future entrepreneurs will also find out what permits or administrative decisions they need, but also whether they can obtain financial support for investment placement or from public aid. The Investor Assistance Center will make it easier to arrange meetings with land and property owners as well as with local authorities. It will also help prepare an investment offer and provide post-investment after-care.

Money breeds money...

... and if you manage to save some, you will be able to invest it in your business’s development. You will be helped by

property-tax and income-tax exemptions as well as job-creation breaks of up to 35% of the two-year labor costs of new employees. It should be noted that the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province offers one of the lowest employment costs in Poland. As part of government assistance, you will also receive funding from sector programs supporting entrepreneurship, innovation and technology development under the Smart Growth Regional Operational Program, the Innovative Economy Operational Program, and the Infrastructure and Environment Operational Program. The provincial authorities see to the region’s development also by offering entrepreneurs European funding from the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Regional Operational Program, financial support for newly created jobs offered to the unemployed and people with disabilities, a free recruitment process and an employee training system within support instruments from the Labor Office. The province also has a comprehensive support package that offers partial reimbursement of investment outlays or minimization of costs related to running a business, which will allow you to save and invest resources in your business’s further development. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the province’s local government develops and implements its own systems of assistance for entrepreneurs, independent of national government assistance.

SPECIAL SECTION / KUJAWSKO-POMORSKIE

Bydgoszcz Industrial and Technological Park, Photo Filip Kowalkowski

People don’t just live to work!

In the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province you will be able to enjoy centuries-old tradition, log out of the ubiquitous web, charge your batteries, and breathe deeply! Unique natural resources make this region attractive to yachtsmen, cyclists, canoeists and other enthusiasts of active leisure, and if you need to, you can recuperate at a local spa or one of the renowned hospitals. Remember: when you think about working or running your own business, you need to pay attention not only to prospects for development, but also to finding a place where you can tread your own path - including the path to success!

Bydgoszcz

Toruń

The Warsaw Voice

Winter 2020

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WŁOCŁAWEK

PERFECT PLACE FOR YOUR BUSINESS WŁOCŁAWEK, the capital of Kuyavia region, is a hospitable and friendly city. It is worth coming here to develop your company or to invest in innovative products. The city has a centuries-long industrial tradition, built mostly by local factory owners whose legacy is an important element of Włocławek’s image to this day.

Appreciating business people’s role in creating the city’s economic sphere, we have undertaken a number of pro-investment measures. Among other things, companies can take advantage of real estate tax exemptions under a regional assistance program for supporting new investments, and also as part of de minimis aid.

I am very happy that, more and more people are noticing Włocławek on the business map of Poland.

This is certainly because the city has great transport connections, making it easy to travel between here and any corner of Poland and Europe. Also, a growing number of young people are returning to their native region, deciding to open businesses in Włocławek and offer new products and services to residents and tourists. It is a very valuable experience for the local government to be able to support the dreams and hopes of those who value Włocławek as a people-friendly place where they can live well and develop.

Substantial support and friendly help for companies wishing to visit our city is offered by Investor Assistance Centre operating in Włocławek City Hall. Please feel invited!

Mayor of Włocławek Marek Wojtkowski, PhD

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he best way of developing your business is to invest in the city which boasts a rich industrial tradition and is also the historical capital of Kuyavia: Włocławek. This city offers many opportunities to entrepreneurs and investors.

Where is the perfect place for your business located?

Włocławek lies in the very center of Poland and also on Vistula, the country’s longest river. The third-largest city in Kuyavian-Pomeranian province, it has an area of 84.32 sq. km and a population of around 105,000. It is worth noting Włocławek’s good transport connections. You can get anywhere quickly and efficiently thanks to the A1 freeway’s Włocławek – North (Brzezie) and Włocławek – West (Pikutkowo) junctions as well as highways: No. 91 Gdańsk – Toruń – Włocławek – Łódź – national border, No. 62 Strzelno – Włocławek – Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, and No. 67 Lipno – Włocławek.

Invest next to well-known brands

The sectors of the economy for which the city is famous include chemicals, energy, food products, metals, and building materials. Włocławek has witnessed many major projects related to these sectors in recent years.

Alongside Anwil SA, one of Poland’s biggest companies from the chemical sector, this sector is also represented

by Europe’s most advanced petrochemical complex for paraxylene and terephthalic acid (PX/PTA) production, 22

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Observation deck in Włocławek

built by PKN Orlen SA. This company has also contributed to the energy sector by building the country’s most advanced and biggest gas and steam combined heat and power generation plant. The key project for the metals and building materials sector has been Budizol Sp. z o.o.

S.K.A. company’s construction of a plant manufacturing The Warsaw Voice

SPECIAL SECTION / KUJAWSKO-POMORSKIE

construction-sector energy-saving products. The biggest Włocławek-based food businesses include the producer of the Delecta brand, well-known for baking products like cake mixes as well as seasonings and jelly and custard powders. Other famous brands from Włocławek include WIKA Polska, Guala Closures DGS Poland, Salamander Window & Door Systems, Geberit, Indorama Ventures Poland, Renex, and many others.

Włocławek appreciates entrepreneurs

The operations of Włocławek’s entrepreneurs and investors are supported by many institutions in the business environment. Those based in the city include Włocławek Innovation and Entrepreneurship Incubator, which fosters the development of businesses. The incubator offers enormous support for launching and conducting business operations, through the training and consulting services it provides and by guaranteeing cheap office, production and warehouse space. The local authorities also appreciate entrepreneurs for their contribution to the city’s economic development, supporting them through tax breaks and substantial outlays on municipal projects. These pro-investment efforts are additionally consolidated by the Investor Assistance Centre in Włocławek City Hall, offering support and comprehensive assistance to investors and entrepreneurs, and Włocławek Business Center located at the Włocławek Innovation and Entrepreneurship Incubator.

City of opportunities

If you are looking for a place to invest, you will find it in Włocławek. How is that possible? Włocławek Economic Development Area – Industrial and Technological Park (Pomeranian Special Economic Zone Area) has 33.4762 hectares of land with comprehensive utilities. These include roads, electricity, a gas network as well as a water and sewerage system and telecom and IT infrastructure.

What we do not have yet is you and your business. More information will help you decide to invest in Włocławek.

Włocławek Economic Development Area – Industrial and Technological Park is an area whose function – according to the zoning plan – is industrial. Investors can take advantage of the following forms of acquiring terrain owned by the urban commune of Włocławek: tenancy, leasing or sale. The area has a direct link to highway No. 91 and to exits from the A1 freeway: the Włocławek – North (Brzezie) and Włocławek – West (Pikutkowo) junctions. Many tax breaks are available here as well, e.g. a real estate tax exemption as part of de minimis aid within the urban commune of Włocławek, a real estate tax exemption under regional aid in support of new investment projects or the creation of new jobs in connection with a new project in the urban commune of Włocławek within the boundaries of the Industrial West Włocławek structural unit, and an income tax break within the Włocławek Economic Development Area –

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Browar B., Photo M. Maciejewski

Industrial and Technological Park, which is part of the Pomeranian Special Economic Zone.

Contact us

If you want to invest next to well-known brands, in a city of opportunities that appreciates entrepreneurs, be sure to contact Włocławek City Hall Investor Assistance Centre. Feel that chemistry with Włocławek and come to the perfect place for your business!

Włocławek City Hall Investor Assistance Centre phone: +48 54 414 40 44, 414 44 77, 414 47 67 www.wloclawek.pl

Wisła river pier

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INVEST IN GRUDZIĄDZ

Urząd Miejski w Grudziądzu

Why is GRUDZIĄDZ a great place for business?

When you start wandering the Old Town streets, you will be enchanted by the Secession tenements and the brick red of Gothic architecture. I like watching people walking from the Market Square side, passing the venerable old parish church, reaching the former Jesuit college and, finally, going down to the riverside common. They think that the exquisite Vistula riverbank is what they should focus on. As soon as they look over their shoulder and notice the medieval granary complex, which was a giant grain warehouse on the Vistula trade route centuries ago, their faces light up with surprise and delight. You might ask: What does this have to do with choosing a location for business? Well, I am an economist, university teacher and local-government activist, which – overall – makes me a practical person, tough enough to navigate the market reality. However, I would never, ever play down the importance of beauty in business. If you want to make money someplace, the best place is somewhere where life is good, with a wide cultural offering within arm’s reach, great conditions for educating and raising children, and many recreation sites. The people of Grudziądz love their parks, strolling routes and bike paths along the Trynka Canal, and also Lake Rudnickie surrounded by forests. And if you were to need to leave Grudziądz, the local junction of the A1 freeway easily connects us to anywhere in Poland. It is under an hour to Gdańsk, even closer to Toruń, while the S5 expressway can take us to Bydgoszcz and Poznań. Masuria is just around the corner… Grudziądz is a great location because it has a wonderful history and aspires to modernity and wellbeing. But words are just words, so please feel invited for a visit. Come see us, let’s meet in Grudziądz. Let’s talk business surrounded by the beauty of the town where Copernicus explained to the world why bad coinage drives out good.

Maciej Glamowski Mayor of Grudziądz

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he city’s attractive location in relation to major transport routes definitely affects its character as well as determining its potential for economic growth. The A1 freeway is especially noteworthy in this context, as it runs right by our

city, to which it is connected via the Grudziądz freeway junction. Moreover, there are further freeway junctions within a 20 km radius: Lisewo, Nowe Marzy and Warlubie. Grudziądz’s attractiveness will be further enhanced by the Wrocław – Poznań – Bydgoszcz – Grudziądz – Os-

MULTISPECIALTY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE Photo Mariusz Nasieniewski

Photo Studio VENTO

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SPACE FOR BUSINESS INITIATIVES

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The Warsaw Voice

Photo MWiO Sp. z o.o.

Photo ZST Grudziądz archive

A CITY OPEN TO PEOPLE AND INNOVATIONS

▶ one of the biggest towns in the province ▶ 94,000 residents (GUS, Dec. 31, 2019) ▶ about 22 hectares of municipal land for residential, service, production and storage projects ▶ 58.2% of working-age population ▶ 25 hectares of undeveloped land with Pomeranian Special Economic Zone (PSSE) status ▶ PLN 3,976.49 was the average gross wage in 2019 ▶ 4 freeway junctions within a 25 km radius

Photo Studio VENTO

tróda S5 expressway, now under construction, which will significantly facilitate transport between the western and north-eastern areas of Poland. The construction of the Central Transport Hub (CPK) will make traveling to the city much easier as well.

Over 700 years of turbulent history has left a permanent mark on the city, in the form of exceptional historical sites. Already upon entering Grudziądz along the bridge on the Vistula, tourists are welcomed by the unique panorama of Gothic granaries. A wide range of cultural events and a broad offering of leisure and recreation options also tempt visitors. Grudziądz is among the Polish cities that are well worth discovering.

SPECIAL SECTION / KUJAWSKO-POMORSKIE

HIGH-STANDARD TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

New housing estates have appeared on the map of Grudziądz in recent years. Developers offer homes in many different locations. For example, you could live closer to the city center and enjoy the proximity of numerous attractions and amenities. However, if you prefer something quieter away from city hubbub, real estate on the outskirts of Grudziądz will be perfect as a place to live.

All of the developers in Grudziądz offer apartments of various sizes, which means that single people, families with children and even older people are sure to find their perfect home.

The Warsaw Voice

Photo Mariusz Nasieniewski

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SPECIAL SECTION / KUJAWSKO-POMORSKIE

A HEALTHY BUSINESS CLIMATE? WE HAVE THAT IN INOWROCŁAW

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ot long ago people said that the busy bees of Polish business were big cities like Warsaw, Poznań, Wrocław and the Silesian conurbations. Meanwhile, there is a place in central Poland where business takes on a completely different meaning. It is Kujawsko-Pomorskie province, specifically Inowrocław.

Good for investment, modern and ecological - these are the characteristics attributed to this dynamically developing city. This is confirmed by the entrepreneurs who have businesses here, who list many benefits of establishing their companies in this particular city. Economic growth is made possible, among other things, by the professional support offered by the city authorities.

Closer than you think

More than 6,000: this is the number of entrepreneurs who have picked Inowrocław. The city owes its strong position to the printing, food, spa, transport, mining, chemical and plastics industries. Services and trade are also developing well. One extremely important issue for all entrepreneurs is infrastructure, which fosters business development. Entrepreneurs locating their businesses in Inowrocław offer their products and services not only locally; many of them also operate on world markets. Inowrocław is located in central Poland, at the crossroads of major trade and transport routes (road and rail). It lies on the shortest route from Wielkopolska to Masuria, in close proximity to two freeways: the A1 and A2, thanks to which it has access to all regions of Poland and the biggest cities in the country.

These features enable companies to expand their operations beyond the borders of the province, giving Inowrocław a competitive edge over other parts of Poland in terms of investment.

Pro-business approach

Stacks of papers, applications, files, signatures. Not here! At Inowrocław City Hall every investor is supported by the Investor Assistance Office, both during the whole administrative procedure

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and later. The City of Inowrocław also offers potential investors and entrepreneurs real estate tax exemptions in the form of de minimis aid. What is eligible for exemption? For example: ‣ newly constructed buildings, structures or parts thereof and the land occupied by them, ‣ newly acquired land, buildings, structures or parts thereof and the land occupied by them, related to the implementation of new investments and the creation of new jobs in the city of Inowrocław.

Relationship building, responsibility and cooperation are values that will bring together those who plan to start a business in Inowrocław. Every investment project can count on support and assistance from the city, and thanks to cooperation with business-related institutions and the attractive terms they offer, more and more investors use them. Among other things, this is due to cooperation with business environment institutions and with regional and national support institutions, to mention the Prince Kazimierz Kujawski Higher School of Entrepreneurship in Inowrocław, the Higher School of Economics, the Polish Agency of Investment and Trade, the Pomeranian Special Economic Zone, the Toruń Regional Development Agency, the Centre for Investor and Exporter Assistance in Toruń, the Bydgoszcz Regional Development Agency, the Polish Foundation for Enterprise Development, the Kujawy Expert Foundation and the County Labor Office.

The city offers land comprehensively prepared for investment, divided into four zones: Northern, Western, Solanki Investment Area and service areas. Each of these zones is designed for a different type of business. All necessary information, including about the designated purpose in the local zoning plan, is available from www.inwestuj.inowroclaw.pl or directly from the Investor Assistance Office.

Business with a mission

The times when all that mattered in business was making money are gone. A responsible and sustainable approach to business is expected in an era of increased environmental awareness. This is exactly what is happening in Inowrocław, a city where ecology is the focus of attention. Inowrocław is one of the best-known health resorts in Poland. The Brine Park on almost 85 hectares together with one of the largest graduation towers in Poland influence the rapidly developing spa business and tourism. Spa owners are constantly investing in the development of accommodation infrastructure; more and more spa centers, hotels and guesthouses are being built. As befits an ecological city, Inowrocław also has 100% ecological public transport, which makes it a leader in Poland.

If you are interested to see what investors are offered in a place where you can make your business dreams come true, visit our site www.inwestuj.inowroclaw.pl and find out more.

The Warsaw Voice

A CAR FROM SANTA CLAUS? Compiled by Bartosz Grzybiński

C

hristmas has always been a very festive celebration in Poland. Due to the country’s ethnic homogeneity, these holidays are inseparably connected with the Catholic faith and its rites and traditions. Christmas is a time of joy, spent together at the Christmas table with the family. It is also a time of giving gifts to our loved ones! Who has not waited for a gift left under the Christmas tree by Santa Claus!?

What if you dreamed a little bit and asked him for a really special gift? Like a car, for example? Santa Claus would have an easy job, because there are several hundred models on the market, from different automotive segments, with different body versions, of different

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sizes. Cars debuting on the market as well as those launched several years ago are available with internal combustion, diesel, hybrid or increasingly popular electric engines, as single-axle or 4×4 versions, not to mention body colors and a virtually unlimited choice of optional equipment. Today customers can buy a unique car, individually equipped to suit their own taste: a car that no one else has! There is definitely something for everyone out there, but if you need help, you will find some hints below.

My wish for Santa Claus is that he deliver only well-chosen gifts, and for you – that you may find the keys to your dream car among them! Despite everything, in spite of what is going on around us - MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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RENAULT ZOE T

he Renault ZOE is a 5-door urban class (B) hatchback. It debuted on the market in 2012.

In the fall of 2019 it underwent a thorough modernization. The model is 4.08 m long and has a 2.58 m wheelbase. The capacity of the trunk is 338 l.

The lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 22 kWh. The 88 hp electric motor allows you to accelerate to 100 km/h in 13.5 seconds and drive at a maximum speed of 135 km/h.

The maximum range is about 400 km. The new ZOE has a modernized interior, the upholstery is made of recycled materials. There is also an urban driving mode: B-mode

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(power recovery control). An older version of the engine (108 hp) will remain in the offer, also combined with a bigger battery. As standard, the ZOE is equipped with ABS with EBD, front and side airbags, automatic emergency brake lights, ESC, ASR and CSV, Isofix, automatic air conditioning, electric windscreen control, an R-Link multimedia system with a 7-inch touch screen, satellite navigation, a 4-speaker audio system with CD/MP3 radio with Bluetooth and USB, SD and Jack, a brake energy recovery system, Eco mode and 15-inch alloy wheels.

Priced from PLN 122,000.

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MOTO

FORD PUMA

T

he Ford Puma is a 5-door crossover from the B segment. It debuted in 2019, but has only been on the market for a few months. It is based on the floor plate and many construction and equipment elements of the Fiesta model. It is 4.1 meters long and has a 2.5-meter wheelbase. The compact body is distinguished by an attractive and currently fashionable design based on making small crossovers resemble cars from the SUV segment. Hence the car’s dynamic shape, with an optically raised body, small window surfaces, a large grille and lights. Despite the body’s small size, the trunk holds 456 liters, and a deep compartment

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with a drain plug(!), hidden under the floor, can be used to carry unusually wet and dirty things. The drives include three-cylinder 1.0 Eco Boost gasoline engines with 95/125 hp and 200 hp (!) in the ST version, and a 120 hp 1.5-liter EcoBlue diesel engine. Power is carried to the front axle by a 6-speed manual gearbox. A 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid with 125 or 155 hp is also available. This model is one of the first electrified vehicles that Ford introduced to the market as part of the “Go Electric” concept. Under the hood is the advanced EcoBoost system with 48-volt soft-hybrid installation.

Prices start under PLN 70,000.

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KIA STINGER T

he Kia Stinger is a 5-door liftback from the D segment. It debuted on the market in 2017.

The brand’s flagship model designed by former BMW stylists and engineers is 4.83 meters long and has a wheelbase of 2.9 meters. The body of the car is very attractive and resembles a Gran Tourismo-type limousine. The dynamic body line and stylistic details such as additional air intakes on the hood and side mudguards or quadruple exhaust pipe outlets betray the car’s sporting character. Indeed, this car does provide a lot of sporting excitement. Under the hood you can find inline, turbocharged engines: the 245 hp gasoline 2.0T GDi and the 200 hp diesel 2.2 CRDi. The strongest version with

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a 3.3-liter V6 engine has 366 hp. Power in all the engine versions is transmitted via an 8-stage rear-axle or dual-axle automatic gearbox (AWD). The standard equipment is quite opulent, and includes elements previously only available in premium cars. Even then, the car can be equipped with several more packages. Many fans of the brand might regret that as of next year, after a facelift, model year 2021 Stingers will only be available with the most powerful V6 engine, with power increased to 370 hp and prices starting from about PLN 239,000. The good news is that you can still find models from the year 2020 with inline units in the brand’s showrooms.

Prices start from PLN 152,000.

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MOTO

T

VOLVO V90

he Volvo V90 is a 5-door middle-high class (E) estate. The model debuted on the market in 2016. Based on the floor plate of the XC90 II generation model, it is 4.93 meters long, with a 2.94-meter wheelbase and a 560/1526-liter trunk.

The silhouette is very attractive. Despite its considerable size, the body is slim and balanced in its proportions, and the front part with air intake to the radiator (grille) and T-shaped reversed LED lamps (Thor’s hammer), together with the rear lamps that deeply overlap the trunk lid, are already characteristic and distinctive stylistic elements of the brand. The drive uses turbocharged internal combus-

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tion and diesel inline engines with a capacity of 2 liters from the Drive-E family: the gasoline T5 with 254 hp and T6/320 hp, the diesel D4/190 hp and D5/235 hp, and the T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid engine with total power of 400 hp. Power is transmitted to the front axle or all-wheel drive (AWD) via a 6-speed manual transmissions or an 8-speed automatic. Even the standard equipment in the basic model versions is very extensive and includes virtually all the elements that affect comfort and, above all, the driving safety offered by Volvo - a brand that has already become synonymous with safety.

Prices start from PLN 222,000.

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PORSCHE 911 T

he Porsche 911 is probably the world’s most famous 2-door middle-class sports car (D).

It was first presented in 1963. The 8th-generation model with the 992 factory code was launched in 2018. The new 911 is 4.5 meters long; it is wider, longer and lower than its predecessor, but has the same 2.4-meter wheelbase. The model is available in three body versions: coupé, convertible and T-top (with a folding roof over the front seats). The characteristic style of the body and interior has remained the same for several decades, becoming synonymous with a sports car, and the changes are rather evolutionary. The new model is most easily recognizable by its narrow rear

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lights connected by a led light strip. These cars feature double-charged, 6-cylinder Boxer-type engines of 3- or 3.8-liter capacity. Depending on the model, they can accelerate the car up to 100 km in 2.7 seconds (Turbo S), but always less than 5 seconds. Power is transferred to the rear axle or two axles (AWD) by means of a 7-speed manual gearbox or an 8-step dual-clutch PDK automatic. The standard equipment of individual models is complete. Still, the optional extras that buyers like to consider can increase the car’s price by up to a half. There are practically no two identical Porsche 911 models on the market!

Prices start from PLN 528,000.

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he Mitsubishi Outlander is a 4-door SUV from the middle class (D). This model debuted in 2003. Counting from 2012, the current model is the third generation on the market. The car’s body and interior were given a facelift two years ago. The visually attractive design, especially of the front part, is a strong point of the car, which measures 4.65 meters and has a wheelbase of 2.67 meters, providing a comfortable journey for five adult passengers. The trunk has a capacity of 591/1742 liters. Even the standard equipment of the basic Invite Plus version includes 7 airbags, 16-inch aluminum wheels, daytime running lights and LED rear lights, roof rails, 60:40 folding rear seats,

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MOTO

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MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER cruise control, two-zone air conditioning, a radio with CD/MP3 and 6 speakers, and a hands-free system with Bluetooth. Options include an electrically operated roof window, leather upholstery, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a 360-degree camera system and the “Mitsubishi Power Sound System” audio system with 6 speakers and an external 510 W amplifier, as well as satellite navigation. The car has a gasoline 2.0 MIVEC 150 hp engine.

Power is transmitted to both axles (4WD) through a seamless CVT automatic gearbox. There is also a plug-in hybrid: 2.4 PHEV with total power of 224 hp, with power to both axles (4WD) and a 6-stage automatic gearbox.

Prices start from PLN 141,000.

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GREAT

Compiled by Bartosz Grzybiński

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1

3

1/ MiVue™ M760D

MiVue™ M760D - Detachable GPS Rider Dash Cam this is the first product on the market fully dedicated to motorcycles. The device allows to record the situation both in front and back of the motorcycle.Dual cams use Sony’s premium STARVIS™ CMOS and are equipped with F1.6 large aperture. Through Mio’s professional image adjustment, the colours are saturated without distortion. Under the dim lights of the starry sky, every detail is displayed more accurately in comparison to be seen with the eye. One-button emergency recording lock file can be easily activated.

Main device has a built-in GPS positioning system - able to calibrate time automatically and record cruising tracks. Camera has also a built-in WiFi with point-to-point transmission function. Dash cam can be easily connected to mobile phone to get 34

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live-view, downloading and sharing videos. www.mio.com/pl

2/ Continental WinterContact TS 860 S

Excellent snow performance for outstanding driving pleasure. Interlocking and interrelation is always a crucial factor when it comes to traction and acceleration on snowy roads. Thanks to the special construction of the traction sipes the pattern always stays flexible for more adaptation on snowy ground. Additionally the new designed snow grooves enhance the collection and compression of snow in the main circumferential grooves which get linked with the snow crystals on the road.

This interlocking significantly raises the traction and handling comfort on snow covered roads. Ultimate winter performance enhanced by German technology. www.continental.pl

3/ ZTE MC801A

MC801A is the first ZTE second-generation desktop router supporting 5G Stand Alone (SA) technology. This means full support for the available infrastructure of the latest, fifth generation networks, without the need for parallel support of LTE technology. The router is equipped with a multidirectional antenna with 9 dBi gain, enabling high data transmission speeds even at long distances from the base station. This is a very important and useful feature especially today, with still incomplete 5G transmission infrastructure.

The device has been awarded with the iF Design Award 2019 for its special design beauty.

The upper casing has been decorated with a rosette with an oval slot that allows ventilation. The unique cooling system used here, which does not require a fan, significantly translates into quieter router operation. www.ntt.pl The Warsaw Voice

GEAR 6

5 4

4/ Xicorr Mistral

A watch inspired by a car. The latest product of the Warsaw-based Xicorr company is a casual model of the Mistral watch. As is common at Xicorr, the name and style of their products comes from the history of our automotive industry. The Mistral is a special version of the Polonez car - export version. Its characteristic feature was the appearance of the dashboard, where the “gril” reigned supreme. This characteristic dashboard design, designed by Zbigniew Watson at that time has been considered not only innovative, but also extravagant. The presented model of the watch with a red dial has a characteristic square figures on the dial, a description of the minutes on the outer ring and hour markers on the edge of the central square. With fairly wide hands, the watch provides easy and reliable reading of indications. The graphic design of the dial The Warsaw Voice

and the entire set of indications perfectly correspond to the Mistral dashboard. Both the shape of the case and the look of the watch are similar to Polish native Polonez car. www.odczasudoczasu.pl

5/ Healy

Healy is a microcurrent medical device that has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration only for local relief of acute, chronic, and arthritis pain and muscle soreness due to overexertion. Healy also has non-medical applications that use Individualized Microcurrent Frequencies (IMF) to harmonize your Bioenergetic Field. Experience your Healy Frequencies! www.iHerbs.store/healy

6/ Blender Blendtec

Blendtec Designer 725 is a perfect combination of power, precision and classy style.

Unique touch control panel, not unlike that of high-end smartphones, will immediately catch your eye. There are no physical buttons or dials - just beautiful, smooth and functional surface. Blendtec has 2 significant features that distinguish it from other blenders available on the market. Instead of traditional, sharp blades - thick, hammer-like propeller, that smashes ingredients instead of cutting them. The practical advantages of this is it won’t dull (since it’s blunt already) and loose it’s effectiveness, plus you don’t have to be afraid of cutting yourself while cleaning. Instead of traditional, rounded jar - rectangular type, that provides more accurate blending without noticeable particles. Ingredients don’t circulate around the jar, but are bouncing off the walls and get back to the blending vortex. Thanks to this, Blendtec makes the most delicious, velvety smoothie possible. www.zdroweimarkowe.pl Winter 2020

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THE

Musical summer in lower silesia

After the Second World War, artistic life was successfully revived in health resorts in Lower Silesia. Music festivals of international rank began to be established. In 1946 the Chopin Festival in Duszniki Zdrój began, in 1962 Moniuszko Festival in Kudowa Zdrój and three years later Henryk Wieniawski Festival in Szczawno Zdrój.

Barbara Deręgowska International Moniuszko Festival , Photo SowiWeb

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W

ieniawski is one of the most outstanding Polish violinists and composers.

The international festivals organized every year are a reference to the artist’s two stays in the years 1855 and 1857 and his concerts in this charming Lower Silesian health resort - former Bad Salzbrunn.

During the festival not only the works of the patron but also his brother Józef Wieniawski and his daughter Irena Poldowski are performed. You can also hear works by other European composers of the 19th and 20th century. The concerts are attended by outstanding violinists from Poland and abroad.

This year’s 55th festival took place exceptionally in autumn. Due to the pandemic it was postponed from June to September 10-13. The Inaugural Concert was dedicated to the memory of the recently deceased outstanding conductor Józef Wiłkomirski. Luke Hsu from the USA, winner of the Wieniawski International Violin Competition in Poznań in 2016, played his program sensationally.

The audience gathered in the Spa Theatre heard, among others, the Overture to Gioacchino Rossini’s Opera “The Thief’s Magpie”, Wieniawski’s Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor Op. 22 and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 in E flat major “Eroica” Op. 55. The soloist was accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra of the Sudeten Philharmonic.

The Spa Theatre hosted the Chamber Concerto. The violin was played by Hanna Pozorska, winner of First Prize at the 17th International G. Ph. Telemann Violin Competition in Poznan. The artist was accompanied by Julita Przybylska-Nowak, a Wrocław-based pianist, soloist and chamber musician. The concert was conducted

by Marek Dyżewski, an outstanding expert on music, a great lecturer, known The Warsaw Voice

BUZZ and liked at all Polish music schools. The next day you could hear Dyżewski in the Spa Theatre, where he had a lecture entitled Understanding the phenomenon of Henryk Wieniawski. On the same day in the evening a chamber concert was held, in which Jarosław Nadrzycki, the winner of many prestigious international violin competitions in the world, performed. In addition to Henryk Wieniawski’s works, the program included works by Ignacy Jan Paderewski, Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Benjamin Britten and Wojciech Kilar and his thrilling Orava.

On the last day of the Festival in the afternoon a Promenade Concert was held in the Walking Hall in the Spa Park. The Continuo String Quartet performed, consisting of two violinists: Andrzej Musiał and Urszula Maćkowska, viola player Marianna Piecha and celloist Robert Stencel. The program included works by Wieniawski, Fryderyk Chopin, Antonin Dvorak, Fritz Kreisler and popular melodies from films. The festival ended the same day with the Final Concert at the Spa Theatre, which was performed by Jakub Jakowicz and accompanied by the Silesian Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra with the Ukrainian conductor Yaroslav Shemet.

Chopin Festival in Duszniki Zdrój, Arcadi Volodos

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Chopin Festival in Duszniki Zdrój, Federico Colli

Despite a common pandemic and many adversities, Chopin appeared again this year in Duszniki Zdroj. This time the preparation of the Festival was connected with great unknown, extreme emotions and fears. But it worked. “The Duszniki Festival is one of the first Polish festivals this year that did not give up”, says Piotr Paleczny, the artistic director of the Festival. “The jubilee edition guaranteed a high, international level. The evening recitals were played by eminent artists from all over the world, who have been the festival audience’s favorites for years”. Such names as Szymon Nehring, Yuliana Avdeeva, Federico Colli, Dmitri Alexeev, Jan Jiracek von Arnim, Philippe Giusiano, Arcadi Volodos, Alberto Nose and Kevin Kenner aroused great artistic emotions. Whereas the afternoon recitals at the Chopin Manor House were planned to help young Polish pianists who are preparing to participate in the upcoming Chopin Competition in Warsaw in this difficult period. Another project this year was a series of recitals called Prelude, also a kind of support for talented Polish artistic youth. All the recitals of the young pianists enjoyed great interest of the audience. Both those listening to the concerts in the Chopin Manor House and those sitting on deckchairs in the park and watching direct transmissions of the recitals on a screen. They performed among others: Piotr Alexewicz, Tymoteusz Bies, Adam Kałduński, Kamil Pacholec, Zuzanna Pietrzak, Piotr Pawlak, Jakub Kuszlik and Andrzej Wierciński. The Spa Park, thanks to the loudWinter 2020

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speakers set up, became one big green concert hall during the Festival.

The 58th edition of the International Moniuszko Festival in Kudowa was held at 27-29 August. It is one of the oldest music festivals in Poland. Since 2012 the artistic director is Stanisław Rybarczyk, an outstanding conductor and cultural animator. For more than 50 years the festival has been organized by the Moniuszko Cultural Society, which splendidly presents the work of the great Polish composer. For many years an important partner supporting the project has been the Centre of Culture and Art in Wrocław.

Over the course of several festival days in August, several dozen outstanding singers and musicians, mainly from Polish opera houses, performed. Also artists from Japan and France.

The guest of honour of this year’s Festival is Elżbieta Janowska Moniuszko, a descendant of the father of the national opera Stanisław Moniuszko. She performed during a special meeting and added splendor to the final concert entitled “Moniuszko for fun”.

During the inaugural concert, the audience heard the Lottery in concert version, another premiere of Moniuszko’s youth

Henryk Wieniawski Festival in Szczawno Zdrój

opera. This time in the new editorial office of the score performed by Dr. Swiatlen Niemahaj, a Belarusian musicologist.

The whole festival started with a film adaptation of Halka opera from 1929.

Although the film was made in a silent version, the festival audience had the opportunity to listen to the wonderful arias performed live by outstanding singers and the Śląska Opera Orchestra.

During the festival they also had an opportunity to hear the outstanding chamber musician Cantores Minores Wratislavienses and a concert of religious works by Moniuszko and his contemporaries. Attractions included such events as the Kiepurowski balcony concert and meetings with the authors of books about Moniuszko, and also opera director Roberto Skolimowski.

Henryk Wieniawski Festival in Szczawno Zdrój

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THE BUZZ

LIFESTYLE

New Horizons and

The American Film Festival

– this year together I

n November, Wrocław hosted Poland’s largest and one of Europe’s largest virtual festivals of the latest feature cinema - a combined 20th edition of the New Horizons IFF and the 11th American Film Festival. During 11 days you could see over 170 films (nearly 140 feature films and 40 short films) from several dozen countries. The vast majority of the titles were screened for the first time in Poland, and individual films could be seen on a special online platform integrated with the nowehoryzonty.pl website.

This year, safety is a priority - that is why the organizers invited you to comfortably participate in the event at home.

The combined editions of the festivals were attended by a total of over 122,500 people. There were nearly 40 Q&A meetings with the creators.

Through social media channels the viewers participated in discussions with festival guests and followed the materials accompanying the shows.

In the rooms of the New Horizons Cinema and Lower Silesian Film Centre several symbolic but very important screenings took place, organized The Warsaw Voice

according to the guidelines of the Chief Sanitary Inspector.

At the opening of the New Horizons Festival, a feature-length animation by Mariusz Wilczyński, Kill It and Leave The City, which was made for the first time in Poland, was presented.

On the same day Sweat - the latest film by Magnus von Horn

Truth to Power: Barbara Lee Speaks For Me

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The Metamorphosis of Birds

from the official selection of this year’s Cannes Festival and the opening section of Oslo/Reykjavik’s famous Gunda by documentary film master Victor Kossakovsky - was shown.

The opening film of the American Film Festival was awarded at the Venice The World to Come Mony Fastvold, with the outstanding Vanessa Kirby and Katherina Waterson in the leading roles.

The New Horizons closed with the latest work by Thomas Vinterberg Druk, with the super star Mads Mikkelsen in the lead role. The American Film Festival completed the recording of David Byrne’s legendary American Utopia concert, directed by Spike Lee. The showcase of the New Horizons are uncompromising films by artists looking for new forms of expression presented in the competition section. 12 productions from around the world competed for the Grand Prix. Among them there were productions from Lesotho This Is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection

by Lemohang Jeremiah Moseses, Kala Azar by Janis Rafa from Greece, Éden by Ágnes Kocsis from Hungary, Santuário by Joshua Gila from Mexico, and A Metamorphose dos pássaros by Catarina Vasconcelos from Portugal. Poland was represented by Grzegorz Zariczny - Simple things and Filip Jan Rymsza Komar (Mosquito).

The jury awarded the Grand Prix of Birds Metamorphosis of Catarina Vasconcelos. The Portuguese director’s film was also considered the best by the festival audience.

“For the film-esej, which distils from memory mesmerizing images and con40

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structs in the imagination sensitive words that have the power to control time - tame the past and heal the future. For the visual love letter to all our moms, in which the intimate and private, dragging us into its poetic space, becomes something personal and universal thanks to the power of metaphor and aura of fairy tales. For the humanistic-naturalistic treatise on cultivating human bonds and bonds between man and Nature, reminding us that they permeate in an organic and timeless way, and we, like birds, seas and trees, are one of many components of the Universe. For a work that gives solace and hope, which we all so especially need now,” this is how the jury justified the verdict. The Grand Prix winner received a prize of 15000 euros.

The jury also decided to award a distinction for The Trouble with Being Born directed by Sandra Wollner.

In the competition sections of the American Film Festival Spectrum and American Docs (22 titles in total) the viewers saw a review of new trends and young talents of American cinema and the most famous documentaries presenting different faces of America. The productions evaluated by the festival audience competed in two categories: feature film and documentary. The Spectrum competition included Danny Madden’s Beast Beast, Freeland Maria Furloni and Kate McLean, and Shiva Baby Emmy Seligman. The award, funded by BNY Mellon in the American Docs section, was contested by: They Call Me Dr. Miami Jean-Simon Chartier, Truth to Power: Barbara Lee Speaks For Me Abby Ginzberg and Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President Mary Wharton.

Traditionally, the AFF jury was the audience. Of the plots in the Spectrum section, Jeremy Hersh’s The Surrogate turned out to be the best.

In the American Docs section the audience chose Truth to Power: Barbara Lee Speaks For Me Abby Ginzberg.

All 34 films from the three competition sections will be available online for viewers all over Poland.

The Metamorphosis of Birds

The Warsaw Voice

THE BUZZ

LIFESTYLE

Warsaw’s

Wielki Theater opens virtual doors T

eatr Wielki – Opera Narodowa (Grand Theatre – Polish National Opera) in Warsaw Teatr Wielki has put on its website recordings of its opera and ballet performances, as well as musical fairy tales.

Visitors will also find there animated films showing the theater’s history over the centuries and a virtual walk around the building, designed by Antonio Corazzi and erected between 1825 and 1833.

The theater’s beautiful façade has been preserved in its original, Corazzian version to the present day.

The intriguing history of the building is shown through historical iconographic

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materials, some never published before, like the pre-war glass negatives on which Corazzi’s drawings were preserved before they burned down during the Warsaw Uprising.

The virtual tour around the theater’s interiors highlights the diversity of styles, a result of the work of a large group of designers.

The axis and the main element defining the interior, is the staircase, binding the interior at all its levels. The opulent form of the stairs is a reference to the most successful opera house designs. The decor diversity of the interior is a continuation of this idea. In the Main Foyer

marble mixes with terrazzo. Among the details worth noting are floor mosaic made of fragments of wood coming from many different varieties of trees, art-deco chandeliers and tapestries by Tadeusz Gronowski, the mosaic clocks by Barbara Pniewska-Krasińska, the ornaments of the balustrades by Zofia Demkowska or the reliefs illustrating the Abduction of the Sabine Women, created by Franciszek Strynkiewicz.

The auditorium, with its stunning ceiling full of ceramic elements that bring to mind a constellation of stars, has a completely different, modernistic character. vod.teatrwielki.pl

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Take a tour of

Warsaw

National Museum from your coach E

veryone now can experience the best of Warsaw’s National Museum’s collections in the comfort of their own home thanks to a unique digital project.

As of November 2020, all internet users interested in art can take a virtual walk around the temporary exhibition “Poland. The Power of Images”.

On display are works by the most outstanding Polish artists of the 19th century, including Stanisław Wyspiański, Aleksander and Maksymilian Gierymski, Jan Matejko, Leon Wyczółkowski, Józef Mehoffer, Olga Boznańska, Józef Brandt, Józef Chełmoński, Jacek Malczewski, Wojciech Kossak and Artur Grottgert.

Each of these works has been scanned in 3D technology and made available on the museum’s website in the form of a guided virtual walk which features graphics elements commonly used in computer games.

The project was prepared by the museum with the technological support of Huawei Poland. http://polskasilaobrazu.mnw.art.pl/ 42

Winter 2020

The Warsaw Voice

THE BUZZ

Explore

Jewish Warsaw with a mouse click T

he POLIN Museum in Warsaw makes its interiors available in the Street View technology. The platform users can go on a virtual tour of the 1,000-Year History of Polish Jews, the core exhibition, as well as a number of temporary exhibitions, such as Warszawa, Varshe.

The online project is available in several language versions, including English, French, Spanish, Czech, Russian, French and Indonesian.

The main exhibition at Polin presents a narrative on the history of Jews in Poland up to the Holocaust, through historical objects, multimedia, graphic elements and models.

Warszawa, Varshe is the first exhibition that presents Jewish settlement across the whole of pre-war Warsaw. During the virtual tour visitors are transferred to the forgotten world of multicultural Warsaw, are be able to walk around the city and meet the Jewish community which shaped

the Polish capital. The journey through six typically Jewish districts begins in the 16th century and ends in 1939. Prior to World War II Warsaw was inhabited by over 350,000 Jews who made up almost 40 percent of the capital’s population.

Located on the site of Warsaw’s former Jewish ghetto, the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews opened on April 19, 2013, and its standing exhibition in October of the following year.

The museum’s postmodern building was designed by Finnish architects Rainer Mahlamäki and Ilmari Lahdelma. The Hebrew word Polin in the museum’s name means either “Poland” or “rest here” and refers to a legend connected with the arrival of the first Jews in Poland, where they happened to find secure space to prosper after having been expelled from the majority of European kingdoms. http://virtualtour.polin.pl/ The Warsaw Voice

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Visit Warsaw Royal Castle online

A

ll internet users can view the premises and collections of Warsaw’s Royal Castle in Warsaw on their own computer screens. Built in the 15th century, the castle served as residence of Mazovian princes. Once the capital was moved to Warsaw from Krakow, the castle served as seat of the king and the government.

The castle has been renovated repeatedly and destroyed completely during World War II. It was rebuilt between 1971-1988 using castle remains and rubble.

The baroque-classicist monument now houses a museum whose collection

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includes original paintings by Rembrandt and the canvases of Bernardo Bellotto, known as Canaletto, which were used during the post-WWII reconstruction of Warsaw.

During a virtual walk around the castle’s interiors visitors can view the Royal Apartments, the Library and the Throne Room.

The can also take a look at the Senator’s Hall, in which in 1791 the 3rd May Constitution , the first constitution in Europe and the second in the world, was passed in. https://www.zamek-krolewski.pl/en/your-visit/your-visit

The Warsaw Voice

THE BUZZ

Explore Warsaw Rising Museum from home T

he English and French language version of the website www.1944.wp.pl allows Internet users from all parts of the world to take an interactive tour of the Warsaw Uprising Museum in the Polish capital. An online visit to this unique place will help visitors understand the history of the biggest resistance operation in Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II. On August 1, 1944 thousands of poorly-armed Warsaw residents

The Warsaw Voice

stood up against the occupying Germans. Initially intended to last several days, the revolt continued for over two months before being suppressed by the Germans. The uprising claimed the lives of 18,000 insurgents and around 200,000 civilians.

The multimedia exhibition of the Warsaw Uprising Museum shows not only the military history of the 63 days of fighting but also the everyday life of the civilian population. During their interactive tour guests can view hundreds of artifacts ranging from weapons used by the insurgents, copies of the insurgent press and maps to love letters and archival photographs. The three-dimensional technology allows the visitors to take a close look at the exhibits, enlarge and rotate them.

They can watch reenacted scenes, documentary films, and interviews with insurgents.

At the heart of the museum there is a steel monument that passes through all the floors of the building.

Its walls are covered with the dates of each day of the uprising and with bullet marks. You can hear the sound of a beating heart that symbolises the life of Warsaw in 1944 coming from inside.

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THE BUZZ BUTIK

3

2 1

1/ Iconic Mood Watch is back

An American watch and lifestyle company Fossil has re-launched a chic and modern version of its popular classic model of Mood Watch.

As part of the collectible Archival Series, the watch features the signature color-changing dial and mood decoder based on the wearer’s heart rate. The back of the watch is engraved with each mood color’s meaning. Black stands for anxiousness or excitement, blue green for calmness and relaxation, dark blue for happiness and love, green for sensitivity, amber green for uneasiness, and amber for nervousness.

The classic silhouette stays modern with a look that combines minimalist design and maximum style. It is available in a black-on-black 42mm steel plated case or 32mm rose gold-tone case that comes with black leather straps. Each watch is individually numbered, packaged in 46

Winter 2020

a smiley face-covered tin can package. www.fossil.com

2/ Neck Area in Focus

Smooth and defined neck and decollete suggest youth and vitality and they deserve at least as much attention and beauty treatment as the face does. By spending more time on smart phones and other devices we are prone to developing stubborn horizontal lines on the front of the neck, known as “tech neck”. Two new products developed

by Natura Bisse’s help to address the multiple needs of the delicate neck area.

Inhibit Tensolift Neck Mask, made from natural bamboo fibers and highly concentrated in hyaluronic acid transforms the appearance of the skin in just one application. It helps diminish the appearance of wrinkles, firm the skin and boost luminosity.

A cutting-edge Inhibit Tensolift Neck Serum is crafted with a powerful, ultra-concen-

trated formula that increases collagen production. Shiitake extract, extract from the Edelweiss plant and hyaluronic acid, help to sculpt the chin, even skin tone on the delicate neck and decollete area while minimizing wrinkles and revealing a more radiant, youthful look. www.missala.pl

3/ Delightful Scent of Childhood

A new unisex perfume Sintra from Art Land collection by Memo Paris has been inspired by a journey to a green village on the outskirts of Lisbon. The fragrance is reminiscent of childhood years thanks to its sweet marshmallow note. The heart of absolute orange is followed by the earthy bitterness of the petitgrain, contrasting with the softness of the vanilla. Both mellow and airy, thanks to the presence of musks, it has a very round, floral and fruity sweetness. www.perfumeriaquality.pl The Warsaw Voice

chain and the internal market are constantly changing,” says Tadeusz Kurek, NTT System CEO. “However, we have reasons to be satisfied. In addition to the very good sales of computer hardware, we are also seeing large increases in the mobile equipment segment. Moreover, we have just signed an annex to one of the factoring agreements, under which the financing limit has been increased from 11 to 18.5 million PLN. We look into the future with optimism, because such actions, high equity and very good results prove the trust the company enjoys among recipients, suppliers and financial institutions”, added Kurek.

Compiled by Bartosz Grzybiński

IN THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF 2020 NTT SYSTEM Capital Group achieved a net profit of 7.1 million PLN, which is more than 100 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The Management Board of NTT System provided preliminary, consolidated financial data of the Capital Group. In the period from 1 January to 30 September 2020, the net profit amounted to 7.1 million PLN, while the revenues amounted to 501 million PLN. This represents an increase of almost 103 percent compared to the profit achieved in the first three quarters of 2019, i.e. 3.5 million PLN, which was achieved with the revenue of 363.4 million PLN. Both the third quarter, considered separately, and the two previous quarters were record-breaking for one of the key computer hardware manufacturers and IT distributors. “Distribution and sales in times of pandemic is a kind of drive without a hold, because both the supply

IN BRIEF

NTT SYSTEM DOUBLES THE PROFIT

WOMEN IN HIGH-TECH COMPANY: BREAKING STEREOTYPES MERCEDES-BENZ’S JAWOR ELECtric motors and batteries factory has already produced over 80 thousand 110 kW/160 hp and 140 kW/190 hp diesel engines. Production tests of gasoline engines are in progress. The engines and batteries for the compact models of Mercedes-Benz Class A, CLA, GLA, B and the flagship models of Class C, GLC, E and S come off the production lines.

“We are glad that Jawor production increases the balance of Polish exports. All engines “Made in Poland” go to our factories worldwide.

Soon we will be able to say the same about electric batteries”, says Dr. Andreas Schenkel, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Poland, the company managing the plant.

“Production of batteries for plug-in hybrid vehicles began in October with the launch of the first of three production lines. The next two will start in the first quarter of next year.

Ultimately, the plant in Jawor will produce over 100 thousand batteries for plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles”, adds Schenkel.

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665 60%

432 40%

35

1087

Average age

Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Polnad Employment - November 1, 2020 Winter 2020

47

IN BRIEF

In addition to launching production of electric batteries, the company has recently celebrated the employment of a thousand employees. This is a unique feature in the network of Mercedes factories, where the average share of women in the crew does not exceed 15 percent.

“There is no innovation without diversity of age, gender, background or education. Innovations are created in a cultur-

ally and socially diverse environment. Poland is a rather homogeneous country, but we care about this diversity by actively encouraging women to work. They do well in a high-tech factory and already make up 40 percent of the entire crew.

This proves that we have managed to change the stereotypical thinking that industry and new technologies are areas reserved for men”, says Dr. Ewa Łabno-Falęcka from Mercedes.

NEW VIENNA HOUSE PROJECT THE VIENNA HOUSE CHAIN DOES not give up its development plans and continues to work on its investment in Katowice. Vienna House R.evo is a completely new hotel concept, which, thanks to its diversity, will enrich the hotel base in Upper Silesia.

“In today’s reality, the most important thing is to diversify your portfolio and offer a wide range of products. We believe that the concept of Vienna House R.evo will definitely fit in with the latest trends and travelers’ requirements. Its coworking and restaurant offer will also be ad-

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dressed to the local client, which will increase the business opportunities of the facility”, says Tomasz Piórkowski, Regional Director of Vienna House for Southern Poland.

Vienna House R.evo is a revolution on the hotel market. It combines the functionality of a hotel, flexibility of an apartment and homely atmosphere of a guesthouse. It provides guests with many more possibilities in terms of length of stay and type of accommodation. The hotel also combines the elegance of an exclusive hotel and a casual character close to the young generation of millenniums.

Vienna House R.evo Katowice will offer 203 rooms, including as many as 50 spacious suites, and an extensive coworking zone will consist of separate office rooms and shared space with desks for rent, a café and a game zone. In the basement there will be an intimate cinema and the restaurant will draw inspiration from foodtruck culture. The hotel is located in the very center of Katowice.

The investor is Pinewood Investment Management, the studio BWM Architekten is responsible for interior design. The opening is planned for the end of 2021.

The Warsaw Voice

LUBLIN IS THE FIRST LOCAL government in Poland to join the Polish Circular Hotspot network, which promotes the concept of closed-circuit economy. As one of four Polish cities, it is developing a zero-even strategy.

With a population of 340 thousand, Lublin is the largest economic and academic center in Eastern Poland, and at the same time the only city in the macro-region with a metropolitan profile. It is one of the most dynamically developing Polish cities, and at the same time it is at the top of the rankings evaluating the quality of life. In Lublin’s smart city concept it plays a key role, changing through sustainable city management.

One of the elements of this process is the gradual evolution of the economy towards a circular economy.

IN BRIEF

LUBLIN IN THE POLISH CIRCULAR HOTSPOT NETWORK “We are now at a very important moment - we are designing the future of our city in the perspective until 2030. We are already on the path of intensive development towards a smart, innovative, high-tech city. However, we must not forget that this development is sustainable and in addition to providing excellent investment conditions, we want our compact city to remain extremely comfortable to live in”, says Dr. Mariusz Sagan, Director of the Strategy and Entrepreneurship Department of the City Hall.

LOTOS RAIL WITH THE MOST MODERN LOCOMOTIVE IN EUROPE LOTOS KOLEJ, THE SECOND LARGEST RAIL CARRIER in Poland in terms of transport work and a leader in the market of dangerous goods transport, is expanding its fleet with the most modern multi-system Vectron locomotive in Europe. The vehicle was purchased with support from the European Union funds, through the Centre of EU Transport Projects for the implementation of intermodal transport.

The delivery of the locomotive is planned in 2021. Vectron is the most modern universal locomotive from Siemens Mobility on the European market, with a modular design that allows easy adaptation to the requirements of use and spe-

The Warsaw Voice

cific driving conditions in different countries and different operating conditions.

“The purchase of the Vectron locomotive was realized within the framework of a project co-financed by the European Union, with very good cooperation with the Centre of EU Transport Projects. Providing a high level of transport services requires reliable rolling stock, which is certainly the case with the Vectron locomotive. We have experience in operating this locomotive, which has good traction parameters, is easy to operate, guaranteeing the drivers high comfort and safety at work”, says Anatol Kupryciuk, CEO of LOTOS Kolej.

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FOCUS ON POLAND

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