Romania Monitor Articles
The Piano and the White Eagle: Paderewski – Music for Freedom
“We fight for a Poland whole, united and independent… for a Motherland worthy of her faithful children.” Ignacy Jan Paderewski, inaugural address to the National Council of the Republic of Poland in exile, Paris, 23 January 1940.
Poland as a Model of Political Transformation for the Global South
Poland’s post-1989 transformation represents one of the most remarkable cases of non-violent political transition in twentieth-century history. Over three decades, Poland evolved from a marginal economy on Europe’s periphery into a stable democracy and a fully developed market system. This transformation was neither spontaneous nor externally imposed; it was the outcome of a deliberate political strategy that combined social mobilization, elite accountability, and a long-term vision of modernization.
Digital State: How Poland Became a European Leader in Digitalisation
Only three decades ago, Poland was stepping out of communism’s shadow, confronting economic challenges and a technology gap that would shape its digital journey. Following the fall of communism in 1989, Poland began a transformative journey, rapidly narrowing the gap with more developed Western countries. Today, the country has not only caught up with many of its Western peers but has also emerged as a pioneer in certain digital solutions.
Song and Dance Ensembles: Poland’s Cultural Ambassadors to the World
Poland has been steadily strengthening its global profile, presenting not only its economic achievements but also its urban renewal, expanding tourism infrastructure, thriving industries, and promising labor market. Less visible, yet equally defining, is the country’s cultural wealth – brought vividly to life on the world stage by its celebrated folklore folk.
Solidarity Beyond Borders: Poland’s Humanitarian and Development Efforts in Africa
When discussing Poland, we seldom consider its role in global development aid. We have grown accustomed to seeing our country only as its recipient. But throughout history, our solidarity has often gone beyond the borders of both our country and continent. Today, it resurfaces as a strategic lever in politics, diplomacy, and responsible governance, particularly within Africa.
Gdynia: Where the Sea Meets Dreams
Cradled between the Baltic Sea and the rolling moraine hills, a once-sleepy Kashubian fishing village gave way, in the 1920s and 1930s, to one of the most visionary enterprises in the modern history of the Polish nation.
How Silesian Cities Are Leading the Transformation of Post-Industrial Areas
As a result, the Upper Silesian Industrial District, historically reliant on mining and the metallurgical industry, suffered devastating consequences. With the closure of these facilities, both the plants and the surrounding workers’ settlements—many of which held architectural significance—began to deteriorate.
Zoran Milanović: Croatia’s ‘New Old’ President – Post-Election Interview with Matija Horvat
Over the past year, Croatia has undergone an election marathon, featuring parliamentary, European, and presidential elections. The second round of the presidential election, held on January 12, resulted in a victory for Zoran Milanović. To explore the post-election domestic landscape and Croatia’s role in a rapidly changing world, we invited Matija Horvat, an expert from the Croatian think tank Centre for Public Policy and Economic Analysis.
Found in Translation Awards
The Polish Book Institute’s Found in Translation Award recognizes translators that built a bridge between Polish writers and English-speaking audiences to increase the international value of the Polish literary language.
Exploring the Unknown: The Life and Legacy of Paweł Edmund Strzelecki
Paweł Edmund Strzelecki stands as one of the most distinguished explorers and researchers of the 19th century. Although his name is less celebrated in Poland than in Australia or Ireland, his legacy ranks alongside the monumental achievements of Alexander von Humboldt and Charles Darwin.
Adam Wodziczko: A Polish Trailblazer in Nature Conservation
Adam Wodziczko is a distinguished figure whose contributions to Polish science, environmental conservation, and ecological awareness merit exceptional recognition.
The Podkarpacie Region: A Tapestry of History and Cultural Heritage
One of the key factors defining the region’s significance is its rich historical and cultural heritage. Towns, cities, and provinces alike are defined by their singular histories, enduring traditions, and prominent local heroes. The idea of cultural heritage is marked by its complexity and diversity of interpretations.
Russian Disinformation and its Influence on the Energy Sector in V4 Countries
The energy sector is the main common component of the security policy of the Visegrád Group (V4) countries. For years, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary relied heavily on the import of Russian gas and oil.
The image of Slovakia and its society in the Russian media
The relations between the Russian Federation and European countries are currently extremely complicated due to Moscow’s military operations in the east and south of Ukraine. One of the consequences of this state of affairs is the creation of a specific image of European countries by the media originating from Russia.
