Adriana Sas
Research expert covering the Polish market
Poland's 20 years in the European Union - statistics & facts
On May 1, 2024, Poland celebrated the 20th anniversary of its European Union (EU) accession. This unique event in the country's history was preceded by a referendum in which more than 77 percent of Poles in 2003 voted in favor of joining the EU. These two decades have significantly impacted the country's political, economic, and social development. Despite the recession, pandemic, and the war in Ukraine, Poland has become a more prosperous country today. Poland's GDP per capita is estimated to be 40 percent higher than if Poland had not joined the community.
Poland's participation in the single market has accelerated its development and resulted in faster convergence to the level of Western European countries. After nearly two decades, Poland has the fastest economic growth in the EU. Investment and foreign trade have greatly influenced Poland's economic development. Accession opened Poland to European markets, leading to the country recording the highest increase in its share of total exports of the 27 EU countries. Poland's foreign trade balance has improved, reaching nearly 49 billion zloty in 2023.
After joining the EU, road infrastructure improved markedly, with new highways, expressways, and modernized local roads built. During this period, air transport developed significantly despite the reduction in passenger transportation by all modes. A network of regional airports has been built, serving a record number of passengers each year. Despite the decrease in the length of railroads, cargo and passenger transportation increased by 172 and 126 percent between 2004 and 2022, respectively.
Poland's position in the European market has strengthened significantly in recent years. Its rapid economic growth compared to Western Europe narrowed the development gap. Nevertheless, there are still areas with potential that should be exploited, if only in infrastructure, energy, or research and development; the demographic issue will be one of the key challenges in the coming years. Of the positive aspects, access to European funds and freedom of movement stand out. Especially the latter is the most tangible benefit for the average Pole.
Impact of EU membership on the Polish economy
Between 2004 and 2023, Poland received from the European Union 245.7 billion euros, with a net balance of 161.9 billion euros after deducting the membership fee. Most, i.e., 65 percent, of the funds were allocated to projects under the cohesion policy, which improved transport, energy, and social infrastructure.Poland's participation in the single market has accelerated its development and resulted in faster convergence to the level of Western European countries. After nearly two decades, Poland has the fastest economic growth in the EU. Investment and foreign trade have greatly influenced Poland's economic development. Accession opened Poland to European markets, leading to the country recording the highest increase in its share of total exports of the 27 EU countries. Poland's foreign trade balance has improved, reaching nearly 49 billion zloty in 2023.
Transport infrastructure development
A well-developed transport infrastructure is a prerequisite for greater economic competitiveness and a better quality of life (spatial accessibility). It is also an essential element of the economy, generating part of the national income. Poland underwent fundamental changes in this regard.After joining the EU, road infrastructure improved markedly, with new highways, expressways, and modernized local roads built. During this period, air transport developed significantly despite the reduction in passenger transportation by all modes. A network of regional airports has been built, serving a record number of passengers each year. Despite the decrease in the length of railroads, cargo and passenger transportation increased by 172 and 126 percent between 2004 and 2022, respectively.
The social dimension of EU membership
When Poland joined the EU 20 years ago, it was one of the poorest countries. GDP per capita, measured by purchasing power parity, was 21,000 U.S. dollars, the unemployment rate exceeded 19 percent, and the average salary was less than 2,300 zloty. Nearly 20 years later, Poles' purchasing power has more than doubled, unemployment has fallen to the lowest in the EU, and wages have risen by 213 percent. Are Poles living better? Poland has caught up with Southern European countries regarding GDP per capita. Poles recognize the economic benefits of integration. Nearly eight in 10 Poles believe it positively impacts the country's economy, and seven in 10 stated their living conditions have improved.Poland's position in the European market has strengthened significantly in recent years. Its rapid economic growth compared to Western Europe narrowed the development gap. Nevertheless, there are still areas with potential that should be exploited, if only in infrastructure, energy, or research and development; the demographic issue will be one of the key challenges in the coming years. Of the positive aspects, access to European funds and freedom of movement stand out. Especially the latter is the most tangible benefit for the average Pole.
