US mortgage rates rise slightly with refinancing applications up
U.S. mortgage interest rates saw slight changes last week as applications for refinancing increased, even though home purchase applications dipped.
Karol Nawrocki’s narrow win in Poland’s presidential race signals a sharp turn in tone toward both the European Union and Ukraine, raising questions over Warsaw’s future alignment in Central Europe.
Karol Nawrocki, backed by Poland’s nationalist Law and Justice party (PiS), has claimed victory in a tight race against centrist Rafal Trzaskowski. The result is a blow to Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s pro-European government and could reshape Poland’s stance within the EU—and towards Kyiv.
Though the Polish president’s role is largely ceremonial, Nawrocki’s veto power grants him influence. His opposition to Ukraine joining NATO has already sparked concern in Kyiv. He recently signed a declaration opposing Ukraine’s accession, citing the risk of dragging NATO into war with Russia.
The move was met with criticism from Ukraine’s ambassador in Warsaw and seen by many as a pivot away from Poland’s traditional solidarity with Kyiv.
Despite reaffirming support for Ukraine’s defence against Russia, Nawrocki’s campaign struck a different tone—tapping into growing public fatigue over the refugee crisis and fears of entanglement in war. He firmly denies being pro-Russian.
In his previous role as head of Poland’s Institute of National Remembrance, Nawrocki openly criticised Ukraine over historical tensions, especially Kyiv’s handling of wartime massacres of Poles by Ukrainian nationalists.
His language also echoed that of other eurosceptic leaders in Central Europe. At a March rally, he accused Brussels of overreach, calling for a Union that respects national sovereignty while maintaining economic cooperation.
European diplomats say Nawrocki’s election may not change Poland’s formal policies on Ukraine or the EU, but the tone is already shifting. Tusk’s ability to push through court reforms or deeper European integration could be tested.
One EU envoy warned that Nawrocki’s approach could “marginalise” Tusk, who has been key in restoring Poland’s voice in Brussels. Tusk had previously helped unblock frozen EU funds by negotiating with the Commission—a breakthrough some say is now at risk.
Ukrainian officials fear Nawrocki’s win could complicate EU accession talks. Lawmaker Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze called the result a setback for Ukraine’s European future.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban praised Nawrocki’s victory as a win for nationalist values and as inspiration for conservatives across Central Europe.
Observers see Nawrocki’s win as a symbolic boost to the region’s pro-Trump, anti-Brussels forces, particularly as Orban faces his own political test in 2026.
With presidential and parliamentary powers now split between rival camps, Poland enters a period of political “cohabitation” likely to last until 2027. Some diplomats worry this internal division may weaken Poland’s voice in Europe.
Professor Stanley Bill of Cambridge warns that Nawrocki’s stronger anti-EU rhetoric could amplify tensions, even if Tusk’s cabinet retains control over foreign affairs.
Whether this dual leadership becomes gridlock or coexistence will shape not only Poland’s future, but also the balance of power in a region caught between war, identity, and integration.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until 15 September due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
Norway is stepping up military support for Ukraine with a $640 million package aimed at boosting the country's drone capabilities, both on the battlefield and for infrastructure protection.
Afghan farmers are shifting away from opium cultivation as the interim government ramps up efforts to eliminate the drug trade, offering alternative crops and local support.
U.S. mortgage interest rates saw slight changes last week as applications for refinancing increased, even though home purchase applications dipped.
Victor Arthein, a senior figure in the Guadeloupe Communist Party, has urged the territory to pursue political and economic independence from France, citing deep-rooted structural dependence and declining sovereignty.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says new NATO defence spending targets are achievable for Italy, thanks to their flexible structure, and insists no other budget priorities will be sacrificed.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment