20 years ago, Poland joined the European Union. – I don't want anything bad to happen to Europe, but I want it to pay its bills. The war in Ukraine affects them much more. We are divided by an ocean, not them – said former US President Donald Trump in an interview for Time magazine. Former president of Orlen, Daniel Obajtek, became PiS's “number one” in Podkarpacie in the June elections to the European Parliament. The Defender-24 exercise is underway in the West Pomeranian, Pomeranian and Warmian-Masurian Voivodeships. Military columns are planned to move there from May 4 to May 6. Here are five things to know on Wednesday, May 1.
1. 20 years ago, Poland joined the European Union
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Poland's accession to the European Union, celebrations will be held throughout the country. The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Radosław Sikorski, and the head of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Annalena Baerbock, will take part in the ceremony in Słubice.
Then, after the speeches, the participants will cross the bridge over the Oder, where there will be an exhibition of photographs commemorating Poland's accession to the European Union.
The European Picnic will be held in the Royal Łazienki Park in Warsaw.
20 years ago, Poland joined the European UnionOLIVIER MATTHYS/PAP/EPA
2. Trump wants Europe to pay
I don't want anything bad to happen to Europe, but I want it to pay its bills. The war in Ukraine affects them much more. We are divided by an ocean, not them – said former US President Donald Trump, who will probably run for the White House this year, in an interview for Time magazine.
He stressed that if he becomes president, he will continue helping Kiev. – But Europe also has to do its own thing, and it is not doing it – he said. He also said that the greatest enemy of the United States is not China or Russia, but its opponents inside the country.
3. Obajtek is the “number one” of PiS in Podkarpacie, with the Orlen scandal in the background
On Tuesday evening, on the X platform, the former president of Orlen, Daniel Obajtek, posted an entry regarding his participation in the June elections to the European Parliament. “It is an honor for me to be the leader of the PiS list in Podkarpacie in the upcoming elections to the European Parliament,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, in recent weeks, more have come to light Orlen scandal. The last of them is the case of Samer A., employed as the president of Orlen Trading Switzerland. The man from Lebanon is suspected of contacts with the terrorist organization Hezbollah.
READ ALSO: “High risk of embezzlement” and a man suspected of contacts with Hezbollah. Obajtek didn't listen
4. Military columns on roads in three voivodeships
The Defender-24 exercise is underway in the West Pomeranian, Pomeranian and Warmian-Masurian Voivodeships. Military columns are planned to move there from May 4 to May 6.
The General Staff of the Polish Army appealed to be especially careful on the road, especially when traveling during the long weekend. In the entry, the General Staff recommended drivers to be vigilant and remember about the safety of all road users.
5. Volcanic eruption on Ruang Island – tsunami warning
A volcano erupted on the Indonesian island of Ruang. The eruption column reached a height of five kilometers. More than 12,000 people were evacuated, Reuters reported.
The services warn of a possible tsunami. Authorities closed Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado on Tuesday due to the possible spread of volcanic ash. Indonesia's transport ministry said it would remain closed until Wednesday.
Main photo source: OLIVIER MATTHYS/PAP/EPA