In the aftermath of WWII, Poland found itself on the wrong part of the Iron curtain. For half a century, one of the countries that fought German totalitarianism the most fiercely suffered from this betrayal often associated with the Conference of Yalta in 1945. 

The 1st of May used to be an important celebration under Communist rule, with many military parades and other special events. Since 2004, this date is perceived by many Poles as an anniversary of Poland (finally) joining the EU. 

On that day in 2004, Poland joined the EU. With the enlargement of the Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia), the Visegrád Four (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary) Slovenia, and Cyprus, the EU grew from 15 to 24 members. Its population then increased by more than 15%, according to Eurostat.

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By joining the EU in 2004, Poland wished to benefit from structural funds to rebuild its poor infrastructure and provide access to European markets for its workers, goods, and services. 

Just 5 years before, Poland had also joined NATO in order to enjoy military, political and socio-economic protections. In December 2007, Poland joined the Schengen area as well.

The EU’s enlargement to  Poland completed the country’s reorientation with the West. As St. John Paul II once put it, “Poland did not ‘come back to Europe’ as it has never left it”. 

According to the Robert Schuman Foundation, the “yes” prevailed with 77% in the 2003 Polish referendum on EU membership.

Image: Unsplash

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen