Poland Celebrates 15 Years in the EU

The first of May marks Poland celebrates the fifteenth anniversary of Poland’s accession into the European Union. The last 15 years is a story of growth, economic development, as well as political, social and other changes. Today, most Poles are happy to be EU citizens and the gained benefits for the Polish economy and businesses are undeniable.

Why Poland Celebrates This Day:

First talks between Polish officials and the representatives of the European Economic Union began as early as the beginning of the 1990s. In 1994, Poland filed an official request for being admitted a member of the economic community. The next ten years was a time of difficult negotiations and numerous reforms. The country had to adapt its laws to the existing EU regulations. In a national referendum held in 2003, over 77 percent of participants voted in favour of entering the Community. Finally, at midnight between the last day of April and the first day of May 2004, Poland celebrates and became a Member State of the European Union.

“From 15 years we have been members of a community which used to be a dream of an entire generation of Europeans. We have united in diversity and together we are facing new challenges” – commented Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. Minister of Entrepreneurship and Technology Jadwiga Emilewicz said that the 15 years of our presence in the EU is a success story of Polish entrepreneurs. She stressed that more and more businesses in Poland are do not only export goods and services to the western markets but also invest there.

Between 2004 and 2019, Poland’s GDP grew by 80 percent. Average salary in private companies employing 10 and more staff members more than doubled. Export numbers skyrocketed. Poland is currently the biggest beneficiary of EU funds. Since the accession, the country has received over 160 billion EUR. This money allowed numerous Polish business owners invest in new equipment, technology, structures and human capital.