Poland marks 85th anniversary of Katyn massacre with call for strength and solidarity

During the central ceremony commemorating the 85th anniversary of the Katyn Massacre, Prime Minister Donald Tusk paid tribute to the victims and used the occasion to reflect on current threats to peace and security. Speaking at the Katyn Museum in Warsaw, Tusk drew a connection between the atrocities of the past and the dangers facing Europe today, referencing a Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy that occurred just hours earlier.

Established in 2007 as the official Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Katyn Crime, 13 April serves as a national moment to honour the memory of more than 22,000 Polish citizens murdered in 1940 by the Soviet NKVD. Speaking at the Warsaw Citadel, Tusk stressed that the tragedy of Katyn remains not only a chapter in history but a powerful warning that echoes into the present.

He reflected on the cruelty and injustice of the massacre, calling it a crime that defies understanding. The truth about the massacre was hidden by Soviet authorities for decades and only acknowledged in 1992 following years of pressure from Poland. Tusk emphasized that the evil which led to Katyn is not confined to the past, pointing to the missile attack on Sumy as a modern example of the same forces at work.

“In the streets of Sumy today, we again see death caused by the same kind of evil,” Tusk said, underlining that the mechanisms of violence and lies remain unchanged, and that the lessons of Katyn must guide Poland’s response to aggression and propaganda.

Reflecting on the silence that followed the massacre and the efforts of wartime leaders like Prime Minister Władysław Sikorski to resist diplomatic pressure to downplay the events, Tusk reiterated that Poland must never again be silenced. He declared that the country would not hesitate to speak the truth about its history or current threats and that it would always stand against falsehoods and manipulation.

Tusk also offered a firm declaration that Poland would never again face such threats alone. He emphasized that the country is committed to maintaining strength and resilience, supported by international alliances, and that no one should believe Poland can be threatened without consequence. The government, he said, is investing significantly in defence to ensure the country is prepared for any challenge.

“We must promise those who gave their lives that Poland will never again stand alone in the face of evil,” Tusk stated, concluding his remarks with a call for unity, justice, and determination. The memory of Katyn, he added, is not only a solemn tribute to the past but a foundation for building a secure and vigilant future.

As Poland reflects on this painful chapter of its history, the commemoration serves as both a warning and a commitment: that truth, strength, and solidarity will remain central in protecting the nation’s values and its people.

Source: gov.pl

Slovak wage growth slows in February 2025 as employment declines in several sectors

The Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic reports that although average monthly wages increased across all monitored sectors in February 2025, the pace of growth slowed and failed to keep up with inflation in four sectors. Real wage growth was recorded in six out of ten sectors, while employment continued to decline in half of them.

In nominal terms, average wages rose year-on-year in all ten sectors. The highest increase was observed in the information and communication sector at 12.8%, while the lowest was in the sale and repair of motor vehicles, which rose by 1.9%.

When adjusted for inflation, real wages increased in six sectors. The information and communication sector again led with an 8.7% rise. Other notable real increases were seen in accommodation and food and beverage service activities, with growth between 4% and 5%. Industry recorded the lowest real wage growth at 1%. Meanwhile, real wages declined in transportation and storage, selected market services, wholesale, and the sale and repair of vehicles, with decreases ranging from 0.7% to 1.8%.

In the cumulative period of January and February 2025, nominal wages grew in all monitored sectors. Real wages were higher in nine of them, led by information and communication with a 5.5% increase. Selected market services remained the only sector with a year-on-year decrease in real wages, down by 0.6%.

Employment data for February showed an increase in only three sectors: accommodation, retail trade, and selected market services. Employment dropped in five sectors, with the most significant decline in industry at 1.9% and the smallest in information and communication at 1.2%. Employment remained stable in construction and in the sale and repair of motor vehicles.

For the first two months of 2025, employment figures showed a similar trend. Three sectors recorded year-on-year increases, six experienced declines, and one remained unchanged. The most notable rise was in the accommodation sector, which saw a 3.3% increase in employment, while industry reported the largest drop at 2.1%.

The data suggests a cooling in wage dynamics and ongoing challenges in employment across several key sectors of the Slovak economy.

Source: SOSR

Fio Real Estate Fund acquires Stará Celnice building in central Prague

The Fio investment company has announced the acquisition of the Stará Celnice building in the centre of Prague for its Fio Real Estate Fund. The property was purchased from the German pension fund BVK Europa-Immobilien-Spezialfonds, represented in the transaction by Invesco Real Estate.

Located near Republic Square, Stará Celnice is a mixed-use office and retail building offering over 11,500 square metres of leasable space. The building is fully occupied and benefits from strong transport accessibility, including connections to metro, tram, and train lines, as well as on-site parking. Retail spaces on the ground floor include shops, restaurants, and cultural venues.

This is the third acquisition by the Fio Real Estate Sub-Fund I, which was launched in December 2021. It follows the purchase of the Rohan Business Centre in Prague’s Karlín district in May 2023, and the GARBE Park Chomutov logistics facility in August 2024. The acquisition of Stará Celnice adds a centrally located asset to the fund’s growing portfolio, which aims to build a balanced mix of commercial properties with long-term income potential.

The transaction was supported by Dentons, Knight Frank, ASB Group, and Gleeds on behalf of the buyer. The seller was advised by Wilsons, CBRE, and TPA.

Stará Celnice is situated near the Masaryčka building, the future headquarters of Fio banka, further strengthening the institution’s presence in central Prague.

How are property developers reaching flat buyers today in Poland?

What strategies are property developers using to inform buyers about available housing? Which marketing methods are currently proving most effective? What types of offers are drawing the most attention from customers? And what promotions are currently available on the new-build market?

These questions were the focus of a survey conducted by the real estate portal dompress.pl, which gathered insights from market professionals. The findings and industry comments included in the article provide an overview of how developers are approaching sales and promotion efforts in today’s market.

Tomasz Kaleta, Managing Director of Sales and Marketing at Develia
There is currently a record high supply of flats available. However, an analysis of individual markets shows that in the largest cities, such as Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw and the Tri-City, supply has reached pre-pandemic levels. In recent years, Łódź and Poznań have developed particularly dynamically, and today we are seeing an oversupply of flats there.

However, this does not change the fact that a good offer will always be successful, as exemplified by Develia’s Królowa Jadwiga 51 investment in Poznań, which found 40 buyers within a month of the start of sales. Our range of properties includes a variety of projects in both attractive locations and affordable price ranges, focusing on the largest markets where the situation remains relatively stable. In addition to a well-thought-out range of properties, the quality of service is also crucial.

We offer free credit support, where our experts help you find the best financing offer and take care of all the formalities. Our turnkey finishing package is becoming increasingly popular as a comprehensive solution that allows you to move into a ready-to-live-in flat quickly.

In addition, customers buying flats to rent can take advantage of support in finding their first tenant and a six-month professional rental service for 1 PLN, which we offer in cooperation with the flatte platform. As more and more people looking for a flat attach importance to sustainable construction, we include ecological solutions in our projects. We regularly conduct mystery shopping surveys and NPS analyses, the results of which we incorporate into our activities. This is how we build trust. Every third apartment in Develia is bought by a returning customer or a customer referred by a previous customer.

Agnieszka Majkusiak, Sales Director at Atal
In February this year, we launched two new programmes to help customers buy their own home. They have been very well received and have led to increased interest in our sales offices. In more than 30 developments, we offer to finish the flat for half the price, which is a very favourable and unique proposition on the market. As part of the programme, customers receive a comprehensive service, including specialist advice, a professional design, high-quality materials, and timely execution of work to the highest standards.

In addition, we have introduced preferential 10/90 payment schedules for most ongoing projects, with an intermediate instalment for investments that will be completed in 2026. This is our response to the market situation caused by high interest rates on home loans, and for customers, the prospect of financing their purchase on better terms at a later date. We also offer other benefits on some developments, such as price discounts on selected units, reductions on parking spaces or dedicated promotional packages.

We also present our developments at real estate fairs in selected cities. In spring, we plan to organise open days at some of our developments, during which customers will be able to take advantage of special offers.
The current economic situation and strong competition on the property market, increasing customer demands, as well as dynamically changing media, mean that effective communication requires flexibility and integration of various tools and channels. We implement comprehensive marketing strategies, combining modern digital technologies with traditional forms of promotion in order to effectively reach customers and build their engagement.

Mariusz Gajżewski, Head of Sales, Marketing and Communication BPI Real Estate Poland
In the face of a large supply of new flats, it is crucial to stand out with both the offer and effective communication. We focus on precisely targeted digital campaigns, content marketing and social media activities that allow us to effectively reach potential buyers. Open days and special offers tailored to customer expectations also work perfectly. We are currently introducing price promotions on the last groups of flats in already completed investments, as an additional incentive for people considering buying a flat in our projects.

Zuzanna Należyta, Commercial Director at Eco Classic
Price promotions work best. We have attractive promotions on both of our developments. In Warsaw, on the Moja Północna development, a square metre costs PLN 12,900, and in Gdańsk, on the Wolne Miasto development, the price is PLN 10,500/sqm.

Anastasia Prusiecka, Sales Department Folwark Jankowice, Konkret Group
In the case of investments in non-obvious locations, aimed at customers with strictly defined preferences, AdWords campaigns are undoubtedly the best channel to reach them. As we know very well, they allow us to target the offer to customers very precisely. Folwark Jankowice is also active on social media, attracting customers with attractive content. Of course, we also have our own presentations on real estate portals and we carry out other communication activities, for example on the occasion of vernissages or events on the golf course.

Participation in real estate fairs also brings good results. This form of direct contact with the customer allows us to answer any questions that arise and present all the advantages of our location. We also see that personal contact with the customer shortens the decision-making process. An attractive property price is also important when buyers’ credit capacity is limited. In Folwark Jankowice, an apartment can be purchased for 8,550 PLN gross per square metre. This is an important element of our communication, which, in addition to the immediate vicinity of the 18-hectare park, is one of the components of the marketing message.

We currently do not have any promotions or discounts. We tend to take such steps on the occasion of fairs or open days. We are planning the next one when the surroundings of the housing estate are filled with lush greenery and our plantings show off in all their glory.

Katarzyna Mirota, Sales & Marketing Manager, Matexi Polska
The basis is to offer buyers an attractive place to live. We offer flats primarily in good locations, with access to public transport or all kinds of services. In line with our motto ‘Welcome to the neighbourhood’, we strive to build spaces that encourage social integration and active leisure activities. Our projects include recreational areas, neighbourhood meeting places and playgrounds.

In our communication, we take a holistic approach to the project, starting with branding that reflects the history and character of the place. We use both offline activities, such as site and project signage and printed materials, as well as a wide range of online activities to communicate with customers. On our website, customers will find all the necessary information about projects, visualisations, 3D models, floor plans and virtual tours.

We offer discounts on selected apartments in selected developments. We have also recently launched a unique promotion in cooperation with the renowned interior design studio Deer Design. Customers who decide to buy an apartment in selected developments will receive a professional interior design for the price of the property. The promotion is valid for two months and applies to two developments: XYZ Place in Warsaw and Apartamenty Portowa in Krakow. Such an offer not only saves you a lot of money, but also guarantees you a fully functional space with aesthetics tailored to your individual tastes. Taking advantage of the promotion does not exclude the possibility of taking advantage of price discounts.

Piotr Zawadowski, Marketing Product Manager, Ronson Development
We organise Open Days at our developments every month. During these events, we often have various incentives for customers, such as flexible payment schedules or discounts on apartments. On a daily basis, we invest mainly in online and outdoor media. However, direct contact such as mailings, text messages or phone calls to customers is important to us. In our work, we care about long-term cooperation with people, which is why we keep everyone who is interested in our projects informed and call them.

When it comes to marketing activities, the company focuses on multi-channel communication. Starting from a modern website, through social media, and ending with direct contact between the customer and consultants. Currently, we often offer apartments at discounted prices.

The key to attracting customers is transparency and putting their needs first. As part of the Expect More strategy, the company has implemented a number of solutions that not only facilitate the purchasing process, but also increase the comfort of cooperation at every stage, from the first contact to after-sales service. The modern sales offices have been designed to foster relationship building in a friendly environment, and the Customer Panel that is being introduced ensures convenient communication.

Source: dompress.pl
Photo: Piano Forte, BPI Real Estate Poland

Atrium 1 rebranded as Wise Point, offers 17,000 sqm of office space in central Warsaw

Warsaw’s Atrium 1 office building, located at the ONZ roundabout in the city centre, has been renamed Wise Point and is undergoing a programme of refurbishment and modernisation. The property, which belongs to the DEKA Immobilien fund, will soon make over 17,000 square metres of office space available for lease.

The rebranding is accompanied by physical upgrades to the building’s interior and systems. Renovations include updates to the lobby and hall areas, as well as the addition of green landscaping around the property. The modernisation also covers technical infrastructure, including improvements to the building management system (BMS), aimed at improving energy efficiency and operational control.

Originally completed in 2013 by Skanska Property Poland, the building was designed with sustainability features such as a geothermal heating and cooling system, photovoltaic panels, and systems for recovering grey and rainwater. According to the developers, these technologies help conserve more than 7 million litres of water annually.

The refurbishment plans were developed by Architecture, a studio led by architect Marek Kubaczek, known for previous projects including the Warsaw boulevards and the recent upgrade of the North Gate office building.

Wise Point’s location offers access to public transport, with a metro station 100 metres away and multiple tram and bus lines nearby. The surrounding area includes cafés, restaurants, and cycle paths, contributing to the building’s appeal as a centrally located workplace.

According to Savills, the exclusive leasing agent, the office space is distributed across 14 floors, with individual floors ranging from 1,200 to 1,400 square metres. The layout is intended to accommodate a range of tenant sizes and business needs.

The transformation of Atrium 1 into Wise Point reflects broader efforts to adapt existing office stock to current standards in sustainability, energy performance, and workplace comfort, in line with the expectations of modern tenants.

CEVA Logistics reports on 2024 CSR activities and sustainability goals

CEVA Logistics has released its 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report, outlining its progress and ongoing efforts in environmental, social, and ethical areas. The report presents the company’s strategic priorities in sustainability and highlights specific actions taken across its global operations.

In 2024, CEVA introduced the “CEVA FORPLANET” initiative, a set of services aimed at supporting lower-emission logistics. The programme includes measures such as promoting low-carbon transport, reusable packaging, and circular economy practices. The company states that these efforts are designed to help customers reduce the environmental impact of their supply chains.

As part of the CMA CGM Group, CEVA structures its CSR strategy around three pillars: support for employees and local communities, environmental responsibility, and ethical business practices throughout the supply chain. These focus areas guide both internal operations and external partnerships.

The company reports several developments in emissions reduction. It currently operates 520 electric trucks and vans and plans to expand this to over 650 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in 2025. CEVA also uses biodiesel, biogas, and hydrogen-based technologies. In its warehouse operations, the company has increased photovoltaic coverage to nearly 800,000 m² and now sources 69% of electricity from low-carbon sources. In addition, 91% of warehouse space is equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting.

A large proportion of CEVA’s emissions—classified as Scope 3—relate to the transport of goods for customers. The company has responded by increasing its use of alternative fuels in sea, road, and air transport, and by offering tools that allow customers to track and report CO₂ emissions.

In 2024, CEVA received a Gold Medal from EcoVadis, scoring 76 out of 100. This placed the company in the top 1% of logistics firms evaluated for environmental, labour, ethics, and procurement practices, and represented an improvement of 12 points compared to the previous year.

The company also reports on its workplace and inclusion practices. In 2024, CEVA employed 5,655 individuals from underrepresented social groups. Women comprise 40% of the workforce, with 32% in management roles. The company was named a Top Employer in both Latin America and Asia-Pacific.

CEVA emphasizes the importance of transparency and collaboration in achieving sustainability objectives. The 2024 report reflects the company’s intention to further align its operations with long-term environmental and social targets, while continuing to work with partners across the logistics sector.

New Work to open serviced offices at Metron building in Warsaw

New Work, a flexible office space provider operating in Central and Eastern Europe, will open a new location in the Metron office building in Warsaw. The company will manage the eighth floor of the building under a management agreement with the property’s co-owners, Alides and Aya Properties Fund. The agreement was facilitated with advisory support from AXI IMMO.

This will be New Work’s fifth location in Warsaw. Operations at the new space are scheduled to begin in May 2025.

New Work has been active in Poland, Hungary, and Bulgaria since its founding in 2012. The company provides flexible workspaces to a range of users including SMEs, corporations, and freelance professionals. Its approach is based on management partnerships with landlords, allowing it to operate office spaces on behalf of property owners.

The Metron building, where the new offices will be located, is situated at 69 Niepodległości Avenue in Warsaw’s Mokotów district, adjacent to the Wierzbno metro station on the M1 line. It offers approximately 10,000 square meters of office and retail space. Originally completed in 2002 and designed by JSK Architekci, the building underwent a major refurbishment in 2023, including updates to common areas and the main lobby.

The building includes 166 parking spaces and has received BREEAM In-Use certifications, with ratings of Excellent and Very Good for selected criteria. Flexible office layouts are available, and the building is accessible via metro, tram, and bus connections, with travel times of approximately eight minutes to the city center and 15 minutes to Chopin Airport.

According to AXI IMMO, the floor layout and location were key factors in selecting the site for New Work’s next expansion. The landlord, Alides, was described as open to incorporating flexible office formats into the building’s leasing strategy.

The flexible office market in Poland, particularly in Warsaw, continues to expand, with increasing interest from a variety of tenants, including large companies seeking adaptable lease terms and hybrid work solutions.

Pure Ice expands operations at MLP Pruszków II

Pure Ice has expanded its leased space at the MLP Pruszków II logistics park near Warsaw. The company has signed a new lease for an additional 3,700 square meters, bringing its total space at the facility to 7,200 square meters. The expanded area includes 3,000 square meters for production and storage, and 700 square meters of office space.

As part of the investment, a dedicated oligocene well was constructed to meet the tenant’s operational requirements. This is reported to be the first such installation in Poland specifically developed for ice cube production.

Pure Ice began operating at MLP Pruszków II in 2021, initially leasing 3,500 square meters. The company, which produces ice cubes, is active in both the domestic and international markets, and operates one of Europe’s more advanced production facilities.

Representatives of both Pure Ice and MLP Group emphasized the collaborative nature of the lease agreement and facility development. MLP Group noted its ability to accommodate specialized tenant requirements, such as the construction of the well, as part of its broader approach to long-term facility management.

MLP Pruszków II is located in the Brwinów municipality, approximately 5 kilometers from Pruszków. The park has a target total area of 427,000 square meters and includes buildings certified under the BREEAM standard. It is connected to local and national transport routes, including the A2 motorway and nearby railway infrastructure. Photovoltaic systems are being installed on selected rooftops as part of MLP Group’s ESG strategy.

The park operates under a “build and hold” model, with MLP Group retaining ownership and providing ongoing management services.

Construction begins at City Point Okęcie in Warsaw

A cornerstone-laying ceremony has marked the beginning of construction for City Point Okęcie, a logistics development near Warsaw Chopin Airport. The project is being developed by Peakside Capital Advisors in partnership with Partners Group and is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2025.

The facility, which has been pre-leased to Welcome Airport Services, will serve as the company’s new international CARGO terminal. The development includes over 11,000 square meters of warehouse and office space, designed according to environmental performance standards. Depenbrock Polska has been appointed as the general contractor.

City Point Okęcie is a Build-to-Suit project intended to accommodate logistics operations while integrating sustainability-focused features. These include energy-efficient lighting, a building management system (BMS) for monitoring resource consumption, and a rainwater harvesting system aimed at reducing potable water use. Landscaping around the site will use native plant species to minimize irrigation requirements.

The project team also includes ONE Architekci (architectural design), City Corsite (pre-development advisory), and 2MPM (construction oversight and scheduling).

Located on Kinetyczna Street near the S2 and S79 expressways, the site provides direct logistical access to Warsaw’s airport infrastructure. The developers cite this location as key to supporting the future operations of Welcome Airport Services, which plans to expand its aviation cargo services at the site.

The new facility is the fourth logistics project in Poland for the joint venture between Peakside Capital Advisors and Partners Group.

Panattoni finalizes expansion of fully leased industrial park in Koluszki

Panattoni has completed the expansion of its industrial facility, Panattoni Park Koluszki, in central Poland. The developer has obtained an occupancy permit for the extended space, and the entire 41,000 sqm park is now fully leased.

The expansion added approximately 15,000 sqm to the existing site. The new space is occupied by two current tenants: Kamoka and Pet Republic. Kamoka, an automotive parts distributor, now operates a facility totaling 26,500 sqm. Pet Republic, a wet pet food producer under the LipCo Foods group, uses 13,700 sqm for production and storage.

Pet Republic began operating at the site in 2021 and has since increased production capacity to meet rising demand both domestically and internationally. The company exports to more than 36 countries and has expanded its product lines. The Koluszki location was selected due to its central position in Poland, offering access to major roadways including the A1 and A2 motorways, which support both supply chain logistics and competitive pricing.

The production facility was built to meet strict sanitary and quality standards comparable to those in the human food industry. Pet Republic stated that Panattoni was the only developer willing to construct the required facility in this location.

The newly developed space was integrated with the existing plant, allowing ongoing operations during construction. The Koluszki site is located near a key transport corridor and benefits from both highway access and proximity to a major rail junction.

The investment supports continued industrial growth in the region, which has seen increased development activity in recent years.

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