Five Polish lessons for Ukraine on the path to EU membership
Poland is one of the most successful examples of integration into the European Union. Its path to membership demonstrates that deep reforms and a strategic approach can bring significant economic and social benefits.
The Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting (IER) together with the Warsaw Enterprise Institute (WEI) conducted a series of discussions across six economic sectors, bringing together representatives of Polish and Ukrainian businesses to analyse Poland’s experience on its way to the European Union.
Read more to learn what conclusions Ukraine can draw from this experience and which Polish reforms and political decisions are critically important for a successful EU accession in the article by Iryna Kosse, IER’s leading research fellow – The most successful EU integration: what lessons from Poland’s experience can Ukraine learn.
First, Poland carried out large-scale reforms in public administration, the judicial system, the economy, and anti-corruption policy. These changes allowed the country to meet EU criteria and significantly improve its business climate.
For Ukraine, the key factors are the irreversibility and speed of reforms, since the accession process requires deep changes in many sectors.
Second, Ukraine's neighbours received over €245 billion from the EU in structural funds and development support programmes, and they managed to use this aid effectively.
Thus, Ukraine should develop efficient mechanisms for attracting and utilizing EU financial assistance to maximise its impact on economic development.
Third, Poland’s accession to the EU was accompanied by an active information campaign that explained the benefits of membership to citizens. Ukraine must ensure proper communication about the EU integration process, its requirements, and its opportunities in order to build broad public support for reforms and the adaptation to European standards.
Fourth, the issue of labour migration. After joining the EU, many skilled Polish workers went abroad in search of higher wages. Ukraine should prepare mechanisms in advance to retain and develop its domestic workforce.
Fifth, harmonisation of legislation. This was one of the main challenges Poland faced.
Poland began implementing EU directives in the transport sector even before joining. This timely and systematic approach was the key to success.
Ukraine is already facing similar tasks, but the scale and speed of implementation will be decisive.
It is also worth noting that Ukraine’s accession to the EU opens up significant opportunities for various economic sectors, but it also requires serious preparation and adaptation.
Polish sectoral associations became key partners of the government in promoting reforms. For example, in the woodworking industry, businesses united to adapt to new certification and environmental control requirements.
For Ukraine, it is important not only to adapt legislation but also to create support structures – professional associations, technical assistance, and a dialogue with the EU on realistic implementation timelines.
Poland moved from scepticism and apprehension to full integration into the EU, which brought economic growth and political stability.
Ukraine has a unique opportunity to learn from this experience–not to copy it, but to make conscious choices about the tools it will use.