Shipyard Saved From Sinking

Gdansk's historic shipyard - which seized the world's imagination during the Solidarity struggle - has been granted a 251m aid package, with the aim of saving the site from financial ruin.

The fate of the shipyards has been a divisive theme in Poland for many years now. The declining fortunes of the shipping industry left thousands of workers unemployed, creating deep resentment towards statesmen for failing to find a workable solution.

In June, Prime Minister Tusk pulled the plug on a major event to commemorate the fall of Communism, as he was nervous that disgruntled workers would protest in front of visiting heads of state. Instead, much of the Solidarity themed celebration was held in Krakow.

EU officials, who had previously stalled aid from the Polish government to the shipyard, have now approved a new package that will provide significant help in restructuring the complex.

The shipyard itself was recently purchased by Ukrainian investors, and production will be diversified to include steel parts for bridges and other structures, as well as pylons for windmills.

The Solidarity Association has declared itself by and large satisfied with the solution.