Poland co-shapes the decisions of the European Union. We are the fifth-largest country in the EU, with a population of nearly 37 million, accounting for almost 8% of the Union’s total population. Over the past 22 years, we have reached 81% of the EU’s average level of wealth. Our voice matters—both in economic policy and on security issues. 

EU membership is about much more than just European funds. Unrestricted access to the world’s largest integrated market translates into real financial benefits that strengthen the Polish economy, create jobs, and build prosperity for citizens. The EU’s internal market is twelve times larger than Poland’s in terms of population and twenty times larger in terms of economic potential. It is the destination for three-quarters of the goods we export from Poland. It means security, opportunities, and a stronger position for Poland on the global stage.

Twenty two years of increased security

Experience of the recent years has shown that the EU offers not only long-term development benefits, but also effective measures for responding to crises—from the pandemic and the energy crisis to the war in Ukraine. Today, we not only benefit from European security—we are helping to strengthen it ourselves. Poland has allocated PLN 200 billion to defence, and Warsaw is home to the headquarters of Frontex, the agency responsible for protecting the EU’s external borders. Poland has played a key role in responding to crises by welcoming a million refugees from Ukraine, protecting the EU’s eastern border, and strengthening the region’s energy security. EU investments such as the Baltic Pipe gas pipeline and the LNG terminal made it possible to reduce dependence on Russian gas and strengthen the resilience of the EU as a whole. We support the development of renewable energy sources that are not reliant on fuel imports from abroad.

Safety in everyday life

Thanks to common regulations, consumers in Europe are better protected and businesses operate in a predictable environment. Citizens benefit from uniform standards—from product safety and passenger rights to price transparency covering the last 30 days. No passport checks, recognition of national driving licences, phone call and internet access costs the same as at home, the possibility to return goods within 14 days, and common charging standards for devices are now part of everyday life for millions of Poles. Data roaming within the EU results in average monthly savings of PLN 86 per person. More than three-quarters of Poles’ trips abroad are to EU countries. Between 2004 and 2026, European funding enabled the construction and modernisation of almost 20,000 kilometres of roads, over 6,000 kilometres of railway lines, and the development of public transport. As a result, Poland is now better connected and safer—the number of road accidents has fallen by more than half. These changes would have taken decades to implement outside the European Union.

Security of values

Stable rules, transparency, and predictability make it possible to plan growth, attract investment, and build trust. The European community is founded on the values of democracy, freedom and the rule of law, which form the basis of our security and prosperity.

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Learn more:  Poland's 22 years in the European Union. Success in figures - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Poland - Gov.pl website