15- year anniversary of Poland’s membership in the EU
On the 1st of May Poland celebrated its 15th year of the EU membership. That fifteen-year period is considered a time of economic boost, and favorable development in the political and social life. The Poles are proud to be EU citizens as they highly appreciate the significant benefits for the national business and economy spheres.
The first discussion between Polish government representatives and the European Union were held in the early 1990s. Then, in 1994, the country officially applied for membership of the European economic community. The following 10 years were the period of further negotiations and reforms. Poland had to adjust all its legislation to the European norms and regulations. In 2003 they held a national referendum regarding joining the EU, and the result was positive as 77% of the participating citizens gave their agreement on joining the EU. And as a result, on May 1, 2004, the country became the member country of the European Union.
Mateusz Morawiecki, Prime Minister of Poland, has admitted that it was a dream of the entire generation to become a part of the EU and it finally became a reality 15 years ago. He is sure the country is ready for new challenges thanks to this partnership. The head of Entrepreneurship and Technology Ministry, Jadwiga Emilewicz, believes that the recent 15 years can be called a successful business story. Polish private entrepreneurs gained a golden chance not only to start exporting goods and services to Western Europe but also could start investing in foreign markets.
During these 15 years, Poland’s GDP increased to 80 percent. Private companies with a staff of 10 people and more were able to increase their average salaries twice. Export indicators showed tremendous growth. For today, the country is the greatest beneficiary of the EU assets. Since admission, Poland was financed for more than 160 billion EUR. These funds enabled Polish entrepreneurs to purchase new machinery, introduce modern technologies, invest in human resources.
Poland Business News
