Late-June 2026 round-up: a squad revolution at Pogoń under new coach Oscar Garcia, a budget discharge for Mayor Krzystek, a heatwave, piled-up roadworks on the Pomorska Viaduct, nearly PLN 3bn for the port and a sailing summer on the Oder.
The second half of June brought plenty of drama to Szczecin: a squad revolution at Pogoń, the mayor's annual reckoning, another heatwave and billion-zloty plans for the port. Here is a round-up of the key stories.
A squad revolution at Pogoń
There has been upheaval at Poland's football runners-up. Ahead of the new season Pogoń changed coaches, with the team now led by Oscar Garcia, a manager with a background in the Barcelona and Ajax Amsterdam academies. The change comes with a wave of transfers. Incoming are the 22-year-old Greek goalkeeper Nikos Botis (from Olympiacos, on a deal until 2029), Poland midfielder Patryk Dziczek and the experienced Cameroonian striker Jean-Pierre Nsame. Departures include goalkeeper Krzysztof Kamiński after two years and Kacper Smoliński, who joined Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biała. The players are back from holidays and have begun pre-season. The 2026/27 Ekstraklasa starts on 24 July.
Mayor cleared, confidence vote passed
On Wednesday 24 June, at a City Council session, Mayor Piotr Krzystek was granted a budget discharge for 2025, by 22 votes to 7. Earlier the councillors gave him a vote of confidence, 28 to 6. The Law and Justice club voted against the discharge. The city's deficit for the past year came in at around PLN 208m, less than assumed, and the budget execution was assessed positively by the Regional Chamber of Accounts and an independent auditor. Residents of Podjuchy and Wielgowo also attended, protesting against the adoption of the city's new general plan.
Heatwave, the city turns on the sprinklers
The weather is not letting up. The heat has returned, and Szczecin has switched on extra misting points, among others on Bogusław Promenade and John Paul II Avenue, an easy way to cool the busiest downtown spots during the hottest hours of the day.
Roads and trams, a pile-up of works
The build-up of road and tram investment announced months ago is now a reality. The most noticeable is a months-long, comprehensive rebuild of the tram track on the Pomorska Viaduct, reshaping both tram and car traffic in the heart of the city.
That is not all. Works and traffic restrictions also cover Wyzwolenia Street between Giedroyć roundabout and Plac Rodła, Wojska Polskiego Avenue by Plac Zwycięstwa, and Bolesława Śmiałego Street. Starkiewicza Street stays closed until Monday. It is best to check current diversions and transport changes before leaving home.
Billions for the port
There is good news from the economy. In 2026 nearly PLN 3bn will go to investment across the Szczecin-Świnoujście port complex. Around PLN 350m will be spent on the Świnoujście-Szczecin fairway, including a passing place near Police that will let ships pass without conflict, and widening the Świnoujście approach channel to 500 metres.
In parallel, preparatory works continue for the largest investment in the history of both ports, Przylądek Pomerania in Świnoujście. It is to become a deep-water outer port with a container terminal capable of handling 2 million TEU a year, on nearly 186 hectares of new land. This year the focus has been mainly on preparatory works and securing environmental decisions.
Summer on the Oder
Szczecin's summer looks busy. On 26 and 27 June the new Hells Bells festival plays on two stages, a heavy dose of metal and punk rock with guests including Pro-Pain, Grave Digger, Discharge and Vader. On 18 July the Dutch saxophonist Candy Dulfer performs at the Helena Majdaniec Summer Theatre.
The headline event, however, is Żagle 2026, set for 14, 15 and 16 August at Wały Chrobrego and Łasztownia. More than 30 vessels from Poland, Germany, the Netherlands and Scandinavia will moor along the quays. Among them are regulars such as the Abel Tasman and Baltic Beauty, the historic steam icebreaker Stettin, and the Loth Lorien making its Szczecin debut. The ships will open their decks to visitors and set out on two-hour cruises along the Oder.
The programme also features the 9th Brass Band Festival for the Mayor's Cup and the Jarmark pod Żaglami market, with food and crafts along Wały Chrobrego and Jana z Kolna Street.