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2023-10-30 00:00:00
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Since its accession to the European Union in 2004, Poland has received a significant boost in development, amassing a total of EUR 238.7 billion in EU funding, as revealed by a new report. Commissioned by the Friendly State Foundation (FPK) and featured on the wnp.pl website, the report highlights the financial and developmental impacts of EU membership on Poland.
Between May 1, 2004, and April 31, 2023, Poland gained EUR 237.8 billion from the EU, while contributing EUR 79.1 billion to the EU budget, according to the FPK study. This translates to Poland receiving three euros for every euro contributed, significantly aiding the country's development initiatives.
A substantial 65.1% of the EU funding was directed towards projects promoting national cohesion, with another 31.4% supporting agriculture and rural development in Poland, the study notes.
Beyond direct funding, Poland has also reaped benefits from the free movement of workers, goods, and capital within the EU. The FPK report underscores that EU membership has been pivotal in reducing development gaps, expanding exports, and attracting unprecedented levels of foreign investment in Poland.
In terms of economic growth, Poland’s GDP has risen from 40% of western levels to 76% between May 1, 2004, and April 30, 2023. The country also witnessed a surge in foreign direct investment (FDI), climbing from EUR 46 billion in 2003 to EUR 301 billion in 2022. Additionally, Polish exports have increased 7.3 times during this period, skyrocketing from EUR 59 billion to EUR 432 billion.
Economists point out that EU membership has contributed at least one percentage point annually to Poland’s GDP growth rate, with some experts estimating the impact to be between 1.9 and 2.6 percentage points, according to the FPK report.
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