Poland became a member of the European Union on May 1, 2004. A year earlier in the referendum nationwide 77.45 percent Poles have opted for joining the EU. May 9 – for the 13th time as members of the Union – we will celebrate Europe Day.
What has changed over the years and what benefit do we get from our membership?
– Already in 2004, many European countries have opened their labor markets, the last in 2011 – Germany and Austria.
– From Poland’s entry into the Schengen zone in 2007 we are free to travel because there is no control at the internal borders of the states.
– Poland is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the EU budget, which means that it receives more funds than it pays.
– The Polish village has benefited the most from its presence in the EU. Thanks to EU funds rural areas have gained tourist attractiveness and farmers have new technologies on the farm.
We have built 650 sewage treatment plants in Europe within 10 years, 34 thousand. Km of sewerage networks, 11 thousand. Km of water supply network.
– There were more than 673 km of motorways and more than 808 km of expressways were upgraded or modernized.
– 38 regional products from Poland have been registered in the European System for the Protection of Regional and Traditional Products.
– From the EU budget everyone: from universities through research and development institutions to public administration.
– Subsidies have gained the most important sectors of the Polish economy – transport, environment, energy, health and culture.
– The support was also provided by entrepreneurs and the unemployed.
– There is a constant presence in the EU of adapting Polish law to EU regulations.
According to recent research, 63% Poles are satisfied with our membership in the European Union. Disappointed is 16 percent.
source: polskatimes.pl
