Poland: All Shades of EU Enthusiasm
Joining the EU and NATO was perceived as a way to escape communism and Russia’s sphere of influence by quickly enhancing its national security and economic development. This view largely remains valid today, especially as the “economic catch up” it sought has been relatively fruitful.
In order to get the most out of the EU, Poland sought to act as a bridge between the EU and the Eurozone and ensure the inclusiveness of all projects of integration that could impact its future. That being said, the potential benefits of further integration appear less and less clear to the Poles.
To ensure and even increase EU’s legitimacy in Poland, work should be done in four domains: preserve the freedom of movement; maintain a high level of cohesion funds for the next EU budget from 2020 onwards; fight labour insecurity; and guarantee energy security.
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Poland: All Shades of EU Enthusiasm
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