Polish Price Comparison Platform Ceneo Sues Google for PLN 2.5 Billion
On December 23, 2024, Ceneo.pl, a leading Polish price comparison platform and a subsidiary of Allegro Group, filed a lawsuit against Google Ireland Limited, Alphabet Inc., and Google LLC in the Warsaw District Court. The lawsuit seeks PLN 2.33 billion in damages for alleged anti-competitive practices that favored Google’s price comparison service in search results.
According to Ceneo, these practices have caused significant financial losses to the company, amounting to approximately PLN 1.716 billion, with an additional PLN 615 million in interest accrued from 2013 to November 2024. The company is also demanding statutory interest on the total amount until full payment is made.
The lawsuit references a 2017 European Commission decision, upheld by the European Court of Justice in September 2024, which found Google guilty of abusing its dominant position by reducing traffic to rival comparison services, including Ceneo, in favor of Google Shopping.
This legal battle follows a March 2024 ruling by the Warsaw District Court that prohibited Google from prioritizing its price comparison service and displaying unauthorized ads for Ceneo in search results. The ruling was described as a precedent in Europe, encouraging other comparison platforms to take similar actions to ensure a fair digital marketplace.
Ceneo emphasizes that the dispute solely pertains to its operations and does not affect other entities within the Allegro Group.
Google, which holds a dominant market share of 90% in global search and 95% on mobile devices, faces similar legal challenges worldwide. Courts and regulatory bodies in the U.S. and Canada have also sought measures to curb Google’s monopolistic practices, including proposed divestitures of key assets.
This case adds to the growing global scrutiny of tech giants and their competitive practices in the digital economy.
When to Spot the First Star on Christmas Eve? A Celestial Guide
In Polish tradition, Christmas Eve dinner begins with the sighting of the first star in the evening sky. Yet, in some cases, it’s not a star that marks this special moment but rather the dazzling presence of planets. This year, Venus and Jupiter are expected to take on the role of the symbolic “first star.”
When to Look Up
On December 24th, the Sun will set around 3:30 PM in Poland, with slight regional variations. About 30 minutes later, the brightest points of light will begin to emerge in the twilight sky.
A Planetary Performance
This Christmas Eve offers a spectacular celestial display. Venus, the brightest planet, will dominate the southwestern horizon. Higher up and slightly to the south, Saturn will make its appearance, albeit a bit later than Venus. Meanwhile, to the west and above Venus, you’ll spot the star Altair, followed by Vega along the same line of sight.
Looking eastward, Jupiter will take center stage with a brilliance that rivals Venus. To its left, the star Capella will rise slightly later, while to its right, the orange-tinted Aldebaran will shine. As the night deepens, the iconic Orion constellation will rise below Jupiter, bringing with it Betelgeuse and Rigel. By 6 PM, Mars will join the celestial parade, and by 8 PM, Sirius—the brightest star in the night sky—will make its grand entrance above the horizon.
A Starry Night Awaits
Without the interference of the Moon’s light, this Christmas Eve promises a breathtaking view of the heavens—provided the weather cooperates and artificial lights are kept to a minimum.
The First Star and the Star of Bethlehem
The tradition of the “first star” is deeply rooted in the story of the Star of Bethlehem, which, according to the Bible, guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Over the centuries, this celestial object has sparked various astronomical theories. While often depicted as a comet in art, it may have been a conjunction of bright planets or even a supernova.
For instance, Chinese chronicles document a comet in 5 BCE, and in 7 BCE, a rare triple conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn occurred. Historians today estimate the birth of Jesus Christ to have taken place between 8 and 4 BCE, aligning with these celestial events.
This Christmas Eve, as you gather with loved ones, take a moment to gaze at the night sky. Whether it’s Venus, Jupiter, or another celestial marvel that catches your eye, let it remind you of the wonder and tradition that makes this season so special.
European Breakthrough: Innovative Spine Surgery in Lublin
Europe’s first cervical spine implant surgery performed in Lublin offers hope for patients with degenerative disc disease and neurological symptoms.
Doctors at the Military Hospital in Lublin have successfully performed Europe’s first implantation of a new cervical spine stabilization device. The surgery addresses cervical discopathy, a degenerative disease causing neck pain, upper limb weakness, and in severe cases, spinal cord damage. Patients often present with neurological symptoms, including radiating pain and muscle strength loss.
The procedure involves removing the damaged cervical disc via a small incision in the neck, similar to thyroid surgery. Surgeons then implant a specialized intervertebral cage filled with bone or bone-forming material, promoting fusion between vertebrae and eliminating nerve compression.
Patients typically resume normal activities the day after surgery. The aim is to alleviate radiating pain and improve neurological function. In cases of persistent deficits, additional rehabilitation may be required. The operation, lasting about an hour, was successfully performed on a 60-year-old patient, who is recovering well.
Home Alone – The Polish Phenomenon of Christmas Film Tradition
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Explore the phenomenon of “Home Alone” in Poland – record-breaking viewership, viewer love, and the unique magic of the Christmas tradition. Immerse yourself in the comedy that captured the hearts of 4.5 million Poles and became an essential part of holiday preparations.
In Poland, Christmas is not only a time for family gatherings but also a period when every television screen transforms into a magical gateway to a world of ketchup on macaroni and houses filled with closed eyes – this is precisely what “Home Alone” did to the hearts of Poles, becoming an essential part of our Christmas tradition.
What is this film about?
“Home Alone” is a family comedy directed by Chris Columbus, starring the young Macaulay Culkin. The plot revolves around Kevin being accidentally left by his family during their Christmas vacation. Without the knowledge of the adults, the boy must face two burglars, gaining a set of survival skills in the process.
Record-breaking viewership
Despite the years since its premiere in Poland, “Home Alone” has not lost any of its charm. On the contrary, the film broke viewership records in 2016, 24 years after its initial release. An impressive 4.5 million people tuned in, confirming the film’s status as a classic, mandatory viewing during the holiday season.
Why do the Poles love it?
There are several key reasons why “Home Alone” has captured the hearts of Poles and become an integral part of Christmas traditions. Firstly, the film is full of humor, and Kevin’s crazy adventures fit perfectly into the holiday atmosphere. Secondly, the universality of the theme – anyone who has ever felt left alone can identify with the protagonist. Furthermore, the combination of comedy, suspense, and a warm message makes the film appealing to viewers of all ages.
Polish Love for Kevin
“Home Alone” is not just a film; it’s a Christmas tradition that unites generations and brings laughter to our families for over three decades. The record viewership in Poland only confirms that this story has something magical that attracts us every year, like a magnet. Christmas without Kevin? For many Poles, it simply wouldn’t be the same.
Christmas Wishes from the Leader of PiS: Let This Be a Wonderful Holiday Season
“I would like to extend my best wishes to you on this occasion—personal wishes for your lives and your families, so that this will be a beautiful, pleasant, happy, and abundant Christmas. Also, may everything happening around us, in our communities, and in our Homeland, Poland, move in the right direction,” said Jarosław Kaczyński, the leader of the Law and Justice Party (PiS), in Christmas wishes shared today on social media.
Warm Wishes from Jarosław Kaczyński
This morning, Christmas wishes from Jarosław Kaczyński were published on the platform x.com.
“Christmas is ahead of us—a beautiful, important holiday, a holiday of hope. Then comes New Year’s Eve and the New Year. On this occasion, I wanted to send you my best wishes—personal wishes for your lives and your families, so that this will be a beautiful, pleasant, happy, and abundant Christmas. I also hope that everything happening around us, in our communities, and in our Homeland, Poland, will move in the right direction. That everything that has troubled us in recent weeks, months, and years will improve,” said the leader of the Law and Justice Party in the video message.
He continued:
“May the year ahead of us be a good year. May external circumstances, which today are so troubling and threatening for our Homeland and all of us, also change. May this bad time pass, and may a good time arrive. May the hope brought by Christmas be a fulfilled hope. I wish this with all my heart.”
Polish Christmas Eve traditions
Christmas Eve is considered the most special night of the year. In the past, it was even attributed a magical meaning, as evidenced by Christmas Eve traditions that we cultivate to this day.
Christmas in Poland is a holiday that Poles particularly celebrate. Poles attach great importance, especially to the symbolism associated with Christmas Eve.
Twelve dishes
Traditionally there should be twelve dishes on the Christmas Eve table. Where did this number come from? In the past, the number of dishes eaten on Christmas Eve was odd. Depending on your wallet, there were seven, nine, or eleven of them. Besides, it was believed that such numbers would bring good luck for the whole year. Nowadays we put twelve dishes on our Christmas Eve tables, which symbolize the apostles.
Hay under the Christmas tablecloth
Another Polish tradition on Christmas Eve is putting hay under the tablecloth, which is used to cover the table on Christmas Eve. It symbolizes the stable in Bethlehem, the place where Jesus was born.
An extra place on the Christmas table
An extra place at the table is an important Christmas Eve tradition that makes us remember all the lonely people. It also means that we are ready to invite to the table anyone who knocks on our door that evening. An empty place setting also expresses remembrance of loved ones who could not spend Christmas with us or are forever gone.
Sharing the wafer
Among the most important traditions on Christmas Eve is the sharing of the wafer. Despite appearances, it’s not just a nice custom of wishing each other well. The wafer is a symbol of reconciliation and forgiveness, and people who conflict with each other are not allowed to sit at the Christmas Eve table. The seemingly small gesture shows that people have feelings for each other, do not bear grudges, and feel united.
Dressing the Christmas tree
In many homes, the Christmas tree is decorated on Christmas Eve. Although it is a prevalent custom, it does not belong to Polish Christmas Eve traditions. In Poland, it was not adopted until the end of the nineteenth century, but only in the homes of the bourgeoisie and nobility. In rural homes, grain sheaves or tree branches were placed in the house instead of a Christmas tree.
Protest and Outcry: Far-Right Rallies in Magdeburg After Christmas Market Attack
On Saturday night, around 1,000 far-right protesters gathered in Magdeburg’s central square following Friday’s Christmas market attack, which left five dead and hundreds injured. The attacker, identified as a Saudi Arabian doctor, reignited fierce debates over migration policy in Germany. Protesters carried banners with messages like “remigration” and chanted anti-immigration slogans, highlighting growing discontent among certain segments of society.
Migration and the Political Landscape
The rally occurs as Germany approaches an early election on February 23, with migration set to dominate political discourse. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has gained traction, leveraging public fears stemming from security concerns. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban criticized the EU’s migration policies, drawing a direct connection between migration and terrorism.
A Divided Europe
The incident has intensified calls for stricter migration controls across Europe. The tragedy in Magdeburg underscores ongoing divisions over migration policies, sparking a renewed wave of far-right activism and debate on national security.
Our Advent Calendar. Day 24: Why do we celebrate Christmas in December?
Our Advent Calendar 2024 concludes today with the last article. In this article, we will attempt to answer the question: Why do we celebrate Christmas in December?
Jesus’ birth time is unknown, and the Bible does not mention a date. As a matter of fact, early Christians did not celebrate Jesus’ birth, and no one knows when he was born (some scholars believe that he was born in the early spring, closer to Easter, the holiday commemorating his resurrection).
The origins of the holiday and its December date lie in the ancient Greco-Roman world, as commemorations probably began sometime in the 2nd century. There are at least three possible origins for the December date. The Roman Christian historian Sextus Julius Africanus dated Jesus’ conception to March 25 (the same date upon which he held that the world was created), which, after nine months in his mother’s womb, would result in a December 25 birth.
But was Jesus really born on December 25 in the first place?
Probably not. For instance, the presence of shepherds and their sheep suggest a spring birth.
The church in Rome began formally celebrating Christmas on December 25 in 336, during the reign of the emperor Constantine. The date was not widely accepted in the Eastern Empire for another half-century, and Christmas did not become a major Christian festival until the 9th century.
According to Sarah Pruitt, when church officials settled on December 25 at the end of the third century, they likely wanted the date to coincide with existing pagan festivals honoring Saturn (the Roman god of agriculture) and Mithra (the Persian god of light). That way, it became easier to convince Rome’s pagan subjects to accept Christianity as the empire’s official religion.
On the other hand, RMF interviewed Rev. Prof. Naumowicz who claimed the following:
As the Holy Bible prophesied, the Reedemer would bring light to the world, the star of Jacob would shine, and the sun of justice would rise. In the Gospel of John, light is said to illuminate the darkness of this world. That is why such a date was chosen – in the Roman calendar, which was used at that time, the winter solstice occurred on December 25.
The celebration of Christmas spread throughout the Western world over the next several centuries, but many Christians continued to view Epiphany and Easter as more important.