How did Poland become a democracy?

The communist Polish United Workers’ Party dissolved itself in January 1990, creating in its place a new party, Social Democracy of the Republic of Poland. Most of the property of the former Communist Party was turned over to the state. The May 1990 local elections were entirely free.

When did Poland join the EU?

Poland has been a member of the European Union since 1 May 2004 under the Accession Treaty signed in Athens on 16 April 2003. As a member state, Poland has the power to influence EU decisions. The European Union is an economic and political union between 27 EU countries that together cover much of the continent.

Is Poland part of Schengen?

These countries are: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

How important is Poland to the EU?

Is Poland a success story of the European Union?

Of the 10 countries that joined the European Union 15 years ago, Poland is definitely an EU success story: it has become more outward-looking and confident as well as being socially and economically transformed. That is why 91 per cent of Poles support Poland’s membership of the EU.

What are the benefits of Poland’s membership to the European Union?

Fifteen years in, we can clearly see the benefits resulting from Poland’s membership of the European Union: it strengthens the international position of Poland, while EU laws and regulations protect and bring significant benefits to Polish citizens and businesses.

Why do Poland and Hungary still see themselves as part of Europe?

But in cultural terms, the Polish and Hungarian right chose a more conservative course. The result is that both countries have continued to see themselves as deeply European, even as they have steered further away from EU-style liberalism. Bill Clinton and Viktor Orbán at the White House in 1998.

How bad is Poland’s air pollution problem?

Poland, home to 6 of the 10 most polluted cities in Europe, was warned in February over its continued failure to address its pollution problem — and given two months to formulate a plan. In its statement, the Commission said the maximum daily air pollution limits were being exceeded in 36 zones, and yearly limits breached in 12.