Poland opens new waterway to end Moscow’s grip on economy, development of region

The new, albeit unfinished, canal will mean ships no longer must secure Russia’s permission to sail from the Baltic Sea to ports of the Vistula Lagoon

The opening ceremony marked 83 years since the Soviet invasion of Poland during World War II

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Poland’s top leaders celebrated the opening of a new — albeit unfinished — canal that they say will mean ships no longer must secure Russia’s permission to sail from the Baltic Sea to the ports of the Vistula Lagoon. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 10:09pm, 17 Sep 2022

Poland’s top leaders celebrated the opening Saturday of a new – albeit unfinished – canal that they say will mean ships no longer must secure Russia’s permission to sail from the Baltic Sea to the ports of the Vistula Lagoon.

The event was timed to mark 83 years since the Soviet invasion of Poland during World War II and to demonstrate symbolically the end of Moscow’s say on the economy and development of a region that borders Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave.

The government says the waterway gives Poland full sovereignty in the northeastern region, which needs investment and economic development.

“The idea was to have this waterway opened and not to have to ask permission any more from a country that is not friendly and whose authorities do not hesitate to attack and subdue others,” Polish President Andrzej Duda said.

Polish President Andrzej Duda speaks during the opening ceremony of the shipping canal. He said the investment will pay off through the increase in the value of the land around it, through the development of the cities and ports on the lagoon thanks to increased trade, business and tourism. Photo: EPA-EFE

He said the investment will pay off through the increase in the value of the land around it, through the development of the cities and ports on the lagoon thanks to increased trade, business and tourism.