As Poland was celebrating the 20th anniversary of its accession to the EU, Polish PM Donald Tusk has made a bold assertion, suggesting that by 2029, Poles could find themselves wealthier than their British counterparts.

“A fierce debate is taking place in Great Britain caused by the World Bank’s forecast that GDP per capita will be higher in Poland than in the UK in 2025 […] And I promise it: on the 25th anniversary, Poles will be richer than Brits. It’s better to be in the European Union” – the Kashubian politician wrote on his X profile. 

https://twitter.com/donaldtusk/status/1785617591676838318

Tusk, who formerly served as the President of the European Council during the Brexit negotiations, has been a vocal critic of the UK’s decision to withdraw from the EU. His recent assertion echoes remarks made during a 2019 visit to Brussels, where he controversially remarked on Brexit, stating there was a “special place in hell” for those who advocated for it without a plan.

Government statistics from the Finance Ministry reveal that Poland’s GDP has nearly doubled since its EU accession in 2004. Additionally, the Polish Institute of Economics reports a staggering 40% increase in GDP compared to projections had Poland remained outside the EU. Last year, analysts from the British Labour Party forecasted that if present trends persisted, the UK’s GDP would lag behind Poland’s.

https://twitter.com/MailOnline/status/1786308932463428073

Tusk’s statement comes on the heels of a recent visit by UK PM Rishi Sunak to Poland, where discussions on aid for Ukraine took place. In a joint address, the Tory leader and the Polish PM underscored their nations’ long-term alliance, following a commitment of £500 million in military assistance for Ukraine by the British government.

Image: X (@MailOnline)

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen