EU-enlargement – threat or a chance for Poles?

EU-enlargement – threat or a chance for Poles?

May 1st 2004 the European Union was celebrating its historic enlargement. Ten countries, mainly from Central Europe, became the new members. Experts predict what will change in the EU after this event. However their assumptions differ a lot, and are often influenced by their political views. I would like to express my own opinion concerning this problem. In my article I will relate to many points of view upon the EU-enlargement. I will comment on each of them.

1. After joining the EU, salaries in Poland will be automatically higher and the unemployment rate will fall.
My opinion: FALSE
2. Joining the EU gives Poland only a chance to develop economically.
My opinion: TRUE
The economy of Poland would grow even without the EU-membership. The average salaries of Poles are about 35% of the average personal income in the EU. This value is influenced mainly by the history of our country. The economy of a country is a result of brave and (often) unpopular policy of the government. Poland will receive a lot of founds from the EU to boost its economy. If we use them rationally, the economy of our country will grow. However, for example, because of the unpredictable politicians who are likely to win elections in our country, we may waste our chance. In my opinion, the EU-membership gives Poland only some more opportunities to develop.

3. It will be easier to travel, work and live in other countries.
My opinion: TRUE
4. The immigration rate will be so high, that in the “old” EU-countries the unemployment rate will grow extremely fast, and in Poland it will be difficult to find anybody willing to work.
My opinion: FALSE
Some people from Poland will undoubtedly work and live in the western countries such as UK, Germany, France or Ireland. Yet, the forecasts of numbers doesn’t frighten. The BBC World comments: “A recent EU study suggested a total of 220,000 migrants per year, spread among all 15 existing member states. However, that figure was based on the assumption that migrants would enjoy full freedom of movement - while in fact most existing EU member states are planning some form of restriction, at least for the first two years.” After these period Poles will be treated like other inhabitants of the EU-countries. If they know the required foreign language, they will be able to be employed in an other country on the same terms as this country’s citizens. However the emigration rate won’t increase much. Many of the Poles will come back to their fatherland, experienced and full of ideas what could be changed in their own country.

5. The EU will seek to extort liberal policy of our government.
My opinion: TRUE
6. Young Poles will forget about some national traditions and will become more cosmopolitan.
My opinion: TRUE
These two problems, and the growing price of sugar J, were the main arguments against joining the EU by Poles. I must agree with them, but I don’t understand, why these two issues are so frustrating. The world is changing and the principles of democracy and liberalism are normal in our life. Some people will surely disagree with me. They think the best world order is that made up by the Catholic Church in the medieval time. They don’t understand, that the age of racial, religious, national and sexual discrimination is over. The changes making our law more tolerant would be introduced, even if we had not joined the EU. The EU-enlargement had only stimulated them. The fact, that young people will become more cosmopolitan is the direct result of the freedom of movement. They will know new cultures and new quality of life. They may also come to conclusion, that our national traditions (for example alcoholism) are not always the best ones.

Summing up, I’m for the EU-enlargement. I think it is a big progress-chance for our country. Nevertheless, I see that it won’t be so good, as our pro-EU politicians say. It won’t be also as bad as some extreme-right-winged (even nationalist) politicians predict. To my mind, the EU-enlargement provides Poland with support in economic development and our government should know, how to take advantage of it.