PIE: New U.S. Tariffs Expected to Have Limited Impact on Polish Steel Exports
The Polish Economic Institute (PIE) has concluded that recently reinstated American tariffs on steel and aluminum will not significantly affect Poland’s overall exports. According to PIE’s latest economic bulletin, the total value of the likely affected exports from Poland to the United States amounted to around 207 million złoty in 2023—just under 2% of Polish exports to the U.S. and 0.07% of Poland’s total foreign sales.
On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memorandum restoring the 25% tariff on imported steel and increasing the tariff on aluminum from 10% to 25%, effectively targeting Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the EU, Japan, and the UK. However, PIE analysts emphasize that these levies will not completely wipe out European exports of steel and aluminum, even though they may dampen demand for them.
PIE notes that while the American market accounts for 17% of EU steel and aluminum exports to non-EU countries, these products represent only about 0.4% of the bloc’s total exports to third countries. In Poland’s case, most steel and aluminum exports (83%) go to other EU member states. Consequently, the Institute observes that any near-term drop in U.S. demand is unlikely to severely undermine Poland’s trade performance.
Still, PIE warns that further American tariffs—especially on industries such as automotive—could carry greater risks for Polish and EU exporters in the longer term. “Tariffs on this sector in the EU will not immediately harm Polish exports, yet they certainly won’t help,” analysts concluded, underlining that the broader European supply chain remains crucial for Poland’s economy.
Important Polish-American Meeting in Washington Focuses on Security
Undersecretary of State Nikodem Rachoń visited the U.S. capital this week to meet with Andrew Peek, Senior Director for Europe at the National Security Council (NSC). While the primary topic of discussion was Polish-American security cooperation, the upcoming Three Seas Initiative Summit in Warsaw also featured prominently on the agenda.
According to the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland, the talks aimed to bolster collaboration between the two nations on defense issues, in light of planned visits by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Special Envoy Gen. Keith Kellogg to Poland, as well as the forthcoming Three Seas Initiative Summit.
The National Security Council serves as a key advisory body to the U.S. President on matters of national security and foreign policy. It coordinates efforts across different government agencies, responds to crises, and shapes long-term defense strategies. In today’s complex security environment, the NSC remains one of the most influential institutions guiding American international policy.
Negotiations on the Horizon?
Ukraine has once again taken center stage. On the eve of the Munich Security Conference, which kicks off on Friday, President Donald Trump held phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and later with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Following these discussions, Trump announced that he had reached an agreement with Putin to begin immediate peace negotiations.
Media outlets are now speculating that President Zelensky could hold a face-to-face meeting with representatives of the Trump administration during the Munich conference. Possible participants include U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg.
Ahead of Trump’s conversations with Putin and Zelensky, Christoph Heusgen—head of the Munich Security Conference—expressed hope that the conference could unveil the “contours” of a peace plan for Ukraine. He underscored the potential for tangible progress toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
In Washington, D.C., Undersecretary of State Nikodem Rachoń met with NSC Senior Director for Europe Andrew Peek to discuss 🇵🇱🤝🇺🇸 security cooperation, upcoming visits of @SecDef Pete Hegseth and Special Envoy @SPE_Kellogg to Poland, and the upcoming Three Seas Initiative Summit… pic.twitter.com/uqT3HVbE5v
— Kancelaria Prezydenta (@prezydentpl) February 13, 2025
Tusk’s Blunder: He Announces Participation in a Google AI Program That’s Already Operational
Prime Minister Donald Tusk has proclaimed the launch of Google’s AI training program as a major, sensational development—yet the program has actually been running since January. Prepared in cooperation with the Warsaw School of Economics (SGH), it was presented in December 2024 and finalized over several preceding months.
A Slip or a Lie?
During Thursday’s conference, attended by Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, the prime minister either misspoke significantly or provided inaccurate information.
“When I invited Google to cooperate with Poland 11 years ago, I never imagined our partnership would reach such an impressive finale as what we’ve discussed today,”
—Donald Tusk said.
The problem is that Google’s Polish branch in Warsaw was already established in 2005. According to Tusk’s own timeline, he supposedly invited the company to Poland at a time when it had already been operating there for nine years.
Program Already in Operation
Niezalezna.pl reached out to employees at Google Poland.
“The program presented today isn’t entirely new. It’s already active,”
— Google Poland employees has stressed.
Indeed, on December 17, 2024, Google Poland and the Warsaw School of Economics issued a joint statement:
Google and the Warsaw School of Economics are launching a free, intensive training program, Tomorrow’s Skills: AI for SMEs. Ten thousand companies will acquire practical AI competencies, enabling them to become pioneers in this field. The training will last five weeks and kick off in January 2025. Poland’s economy stands on the threshold of a tremendous opportunity brought by the AI revolution. According to a report by Implement Consulting Group, AI adoption could boost Poland’s GDP by up to 8%, or as much as 55 billion euros annually within a decade. It is estimated that 59% of this increase will come from improved employee productivity.
These figures align precisely with those shared at Thursday’s conference.
The Thursday Announcement
“We are signing a memorandum on utilizing artificial intelligence in the fields of energy, cybersecurity, and more,”
—Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet and Google, during his meeting with Prime Minister Tusk in Warsaw.
“We expect that this will contribute to an 8% growth in Poland’s GDP.”
There was, however, an added layer of irony. This very same program was already under the patronage of the Ministry of Digital Affairs.
“The Tomorrow’s Skills: AI program, prepared by Google and SGH and under the honorary patronage of the Minister of Digital Affairs, addresses the needs of entrepreneurs and aims to level the playing field for Polish SMEs. Its goal is to equip 10,000 specialists and SME owners to become AI pioneers through an intensive training program focusing on practical AI applications in business, change management, and AI tools.”
Furthermore, the program earmarked 1,000 places specifically for representatives of SMEs in flood-affected areas:
A free, five-week training course led by Google experts, SGH faculty, and business practitioners. Applications are open until January 23, 2025, via the website umiejetnoscijutra.pl.
U.S. Defense Secretary Visits Poland for High-Level Talks
On Friday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will visit Poland for a meeting with President Andrzej Duda at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw. The meeting, scheduled for 12:15 PM, will focus on strengthening bilateral defense cooperation between the two nations. The visit underscores the strong alliance between Poland and the United States, particularly in the realm of security and military collaboration.
Strengthening NATO’s Eastern Flank
According to official statements, discussions will cover key defense topics, including deterrence efforts on NATO’s eastern flank and Poland’s leadership as a model ally in defense investments. The U.S. Department of Defense highlighted the importance of Poland’s role in sharing the defense burden within NATO. Hegseth’s visit reaffirms the U.S. commitment to regional security and the strategic partnership between both countries in ensuring stability in Eastern Europe.
Tragedy in Munich: Car Plows into Crowd, Injuring 20
A tragic incident in Munich left 20 injured as a car drove into a protest crowd. Police arrested the driver, a 26-year-old Afghan citizen. Investigations are ongoing.
A shocking event unfolded in Munich as a car drove into a crowd, leaving at least 20 people injured, including a child in critical condition. The incident occurred around 10:30 AM during a Verdi trade union rally. Eyewitnesses reported that the driver, a 26-year-old Afghan citizen, accelerated into the demonstrators. Panic and chaos followed, with people crying and trembling on the streets. Police intervened swiftly, even opening fire on the vehicle before apprehending the suspect at the scene.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are now investigating whether the driver intentionally targeted the protestors or if it was a tragic accident. The attack comes just days before the Munich Security Conference, a significant international event. While police have secured the area, the incident has raised concerns about public safety in the city. More details are expected as the investigation unfolds.
Polish Prosecutors Conduct “Procedural Review” of Reset Documentary
Polish prosecutors are reviewing Reset over declassified documents on Poland’s defense plans. Critics call it political retaliation.
Polish prosecutors have conducted “procedural review of the recording of the episode of the RESET documentary program entitled Linia Wisły, broadcast on September 19, 2023, by Telewizja Polska S.A.” The episode featured scans of strategic military documents declassified by former Minister of National Defense Mariusz Błaszczak, allegedly proving that Donald Tusk’s government planned to “cede nearly half of Poland’s territory in the event of a Russian invasion.” According to prosecutors, the documents were presented “in a broader scope than presented by Mariusz Błaszczak himself on September 17, 2023, in a media spot.”
Investigation into Declassified Military Documents
Political Motives and Legal Ramifications
The investigation, led by the Warsaw Prosecutor’s Office under Marcin Maksjan, was launched after a report by SKW head Jarosław Stróżyk. Critics claim that “bodnarowcy” and former intelligence officers linked to WSI/SKW “intend to take revenge not only on Błaszczak but also on the authors of Reset, Sławomir Cenckiewicz and Michał Rachoń.” Maksjan’s father reportedly served in a unit linked to Poland’s communist-era intelligence, later dismantled by Cenckiewicz. The case has fueled political tensions, with the opposition accusing the government of suppressing critical media and historical revelations.
Karol Nawrocki: “Poles Will Choose the President, Not Berlin or Brussels”
Polish presidential candidate Karol Nawrocki asserts that Poles, not foreign capitals, will decide the country’s future. Read more about his vision for Poland.
During a meeting in Inowrocław, Karol Nawrocki, an independent presidential candidate supported by PiS, declared that the choice of Poland’s president belongs to Poles, not foreign capitals. Emphasizing his independence despite political backing, Nawrocki assured voters that he represents ordinary citizens rather than party elites. He criticized the ruling government, calling it “lazy” and in need of oversight. The crowd, energized by his words, chanted, “We will win!” as Nawrocki positioned himself as the only true alternative to establishment politicians.
A Warning Against Trzaskowski
In a lighthearted moment, Nawrocki mockingly wished his opponent, Rafał Trzaskowski, “sweet dreams,” implying that Poland’s future would be secure after the elections. He warned against Trzaskowski’s potential presidency, arguing it would lead to one-party rule under the Civic Platform. Calling himself a “real” candidate rather than a “laboratory politician,” Nawrocki vowed to protect Polish sovereignty and ensure independent governance. His campaign focuses on national values, opposing foreign influence, and strengthening Poland’s democratic choice.
Germany Treats Poland Like Its Own Backyard, and Our Leaders Stay Silent
A shocking incident at the Polish-German border has left many outraged, as German authorities seemingly took matters into their own hands, pushing migrants onto Polish soil. As reported by TV Republika, a German police vehicle arrived at the border, and two men in sanitary suits stepped out. Moments later, they were followed by a migrant dressed in a green jumpsuit, wearing glasses and a mask. The trio then proceeded into Poland without any hesitation.
Obajtek Speaks Out Against German Overreach
“Germany is doing whatever it wants, treating Poland as its own territory,” said Daniel Obajtek, a former Orlen CEO and current MEP from PiS, in an interview with TV Republika. His frustration was clear, as he accused the current Polish government of failing to stand up to Berlin’s overreach. “The government is completely dependent on Germany’s decisions,” he added.
Scholz’s Controversial Statement
This comes on the heels of a statement by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who recently declared in a televised debate that deporting migrants from Germany is “in accordance with the law.” He also admitted to pressuring neighbouring countries into accepting these deportations. “I called all the prime ministers of neighbouring countries and told them they had to agree,” Scholz stated bluntly.
German Dominance in European Politics
Obajtek pointed out that this is part of a larger trend of German dominance in European politics. “All of Europe is being dictated to by Germany. Nothing is being changed because they have elections coming up, and they want everything to stay quiet,” he said.
What’s worse, Scholz has claimed that Polish authorities haven’t objected to these actions. If true, this would be an astonishing betrayal of national interests. Have Polish leaders really given Berlin a free pass to treat our borders as open territory?
EU’s Migration Pact: The Betrayal of Poland Exposed
The European Union has done it again—ignoring the will of the people and pushing through a radical migration policy. On Tuesday, Polish MEP Janusz Lewandowski revealed what many suspected: the EU’s controversial Migration Pact is happening, whether we like it or not. Speaking on RMF FM, he admitted that efforts to block the pact had failed because there simply weren’t enough votes to stop it.
For months, Donald Tusk and his allies have tried to convince us that Poland would somehow be spared. They assured us that our country wouldn’t have to take part in the forced migrant relocation scheme because we’ve already welcomed millions of Ukrainian refugees. But now, that lie has been shattered by none other than Spanish MEP Juan Fernando López Aguilar.
Poland Will Not Be Exempt
During a speech in the European Parliament, López Aguilar made it crystal clear: Poland must comply. Despite the sacrifices Poland has made in taking in Ukrainian refugees, he dismissed the idea that this would grant us any special treatment. His exact words? “Even Poland, which has taken in so many Ukrainians, is not exempt from fulfilling the obligations of the Migration Pact.”
This is a direct contradiction to what Tusk and his government have been telling Poles. They wanted us to believe we were safe, that Brussels wouldn’t force more migrants upon us. But now, we know the truth—Poland is not being given a pass. The EU is demanding we take in even more migrants under its centralized control.
The Clock Is Ticking
According to Lewandowski, the Migration Pact will take effect by mid-2026. That means we have barely two years before Brussels forces this policy onto Poland. If we don’t act now, we could be looking at a massive influx of migrants, dictated by unelected bureaucrats in Brussels, with little regard for our national interests or security.