The integration of Poland into the European Union

Poland was among the first Eastern European countries to apply for membership of the European Union. In view of Poland’s tragic history and the economic liberalisation that has taken place since 1989, we believe that the EU should adopt a generous approach toward its application. Unfortunately it looks as if the EU wants Poland to conform with all its laws before it can join. Our research suggests that the EU should pursue an open trade, labour and investment policy. Poland’s membership will not significantly threaten EU employment. EU companies will not transfer all their industrial activities to Poland. Polish workers will not leave their country en masse. The Polish membership will have a certain impact on the EU budget, particularly in the fields of agriculture, regional and environmental aid but the authors believe that the EU should not cut Poland’s entitlements. Moreover the EU should not use the long overdue reform of its institutions as a pretext for postponing the Polish membership sine die.