Polish Leaders Head for Talks with Biden on Energy and Defence  

President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk will make a rare display of unity when they meet President Joe Biden on Tuesday to express Poland’s growing alarm at US ambivalence about aiding Ukraine and honouring its commitment to defending NATO’s eastern flank against Russia.

Upcoming on Visegrad Insight:

• Beata Jaczewska showcases how Central Europe can embrace the EU’s transition away from fossil fuels by developing cutting-edge technologies in energy generation.
• Oszkár Roginer-Hofmeister analyses how populists are weaponising the “framers’ protests” for their narratives ahead of the EP elections in June.
• Wojciech Przybylski will comment on Polish PM Tusk’s and President Duda’s visit to Washington.
• Online Event – 14 March, at 16 CET/ 10 ET: CEE’s Green Transition: Diversifying Away from China? Click here for more information and to register

EU/REGIONAL

• Czech President Petr Pavel said Ukraine’s Western allies had committed enough funds to allow his country to purchase 800,000 shells for Ukraine from external suppliers.
• As expected, Ursula von der Leyen won the endorsement of European conservative parties grouped in the European People’s Party for another five-year term.
• The EU has joined the US, Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates and other partners in opening a maritime “humanitarian corridor” to deliver aid to Gaza.
• Russian rail links between China and Europe are experiencing a boost in trade after the Red Sea route was abandoned due to Houthi attacks, FT reports.
• Western intelligence has identified a Serb agent in the EU working for Russia.
• Portugal’s conservatives narrowly won a parliamentary election but failed to secure a majority as support for a far-right party surged.
• The Pope’s “white flag” comment has been heavily criticised by leaders supporting Ukraine’s defence.