Poland

The political landscape in Poland in 2024 is characterized by a significant change that began after the 2023 parliamentary elections. Although the national conservative Law and Justice party (PiS) won the most seats, it lost the majority, which led to a change of power. A new, pro-European coalition under Donald Tusk took over the government, also with the aim of improving relations with the EU. Read the latest Poland news from the Table.Briefings editorial team here. What is the political landscape in Poland in 2024? The political landscape in Poland in 2024 will be characterized by significant changes. After the parliamentary elections in October 2023, in which the ruling national conservative Law and Justice party (PiS) won the most seats but lost the majority, there was a change of power. A coalition of opposition pro-European parties led by Donald Tusk, chair of the Civic Platform (PO), took over the government. This new government is committed to restoring the rule of law and closer cooperation with the EU, particularly with regard to the release of EU funds that were blocked due to previous violations. However, the political situation remains complex as PiS remains a significant force in the country and the government is burdened by internal tensions and challenges such as reforming the judicial system, economic stability and dealing with strict abortion laws. In addition, the recent regional elections have highlighted the political divide between urban and rural areas, making government formation at the local level more complicated. These dynamics show that Poland is in a phase of transition and adjustment, with old and new political forces vying for influence and control. When did Poland join the EU? Poland's accession to the EU took place in 2004. One year before accession, surveys in Poland showed a rather critical attitude towards the EU among Polish citizens. However, the government's campaign for Poland's EU accession changed this attitude. Looking at the advantages and disadvantages of Poland's EU accession, the advantages clearly stand out. Poland's GDP has risen sharply since joining the EU, which shows the significant increase in trade. Foreign and security policy, for example, have also been strengthened. Many Polish citizens also hoped that EU accession would strengthen democracy and the rule of law. However, there have recently been increasing tensions between the EU and Poland regarding the rights of minorities and women as well as the independence of the judiciary. How has the relationship between the EU and Poland developed? The EU-Poland relationship is complicated. Since accession in 2004, the Polish government has gradually become more critical of the EU. However, the EU also increasingly criticized the political leadership – especially the judicial reforms, which led to the Poland-EU dispute. For the first time in history, the EU initiated a procedure to review the rule of law in Poland. Although the government made adjustments, the EU initiated the Article 7 procedure. According to this article, Poland's voting rights can be revoked. However, this would require a unanimous vote. It was also not enough for further sanctions. In 2020, Poland once again passed a law that undermines the independence of Polish judges. In 2021, the European Court of Justice issued an EU ruling against Poland, stating that Poland had breached its obligations under EU law. However, Poland is on a confrontational course against the European Union. Poland decided that the EU ruling was not compatible with the Polish constitution. The Constitutional Court in Poland ruled in the EU dispute that national law takes precedence over European law. Is Poland planning to leave the EU? Poland is not currently planning to leave the EU. Although there have been tensions between the Polish government and the European Union in recent years, particularly with regard to the rule of law and judicial reforms, there are no official plans for a so-called "Polexit". Although the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) has a Eurosceptic stance and emphasizes Poland's national sovereignty, it has repeatedly affirmed that Poland should remain a member of the EU. The majority of the Polish population also continues to support EU membership. Discussions about a possible exit have been fueled by the legal disputes between Poland and the EU over the independence of the judiciary and other rule of law issues. However, these are more rhetorical threats than concrete plans. Coronavirus: how much money will Poland get from the EU? The coronavirus has had a significant economic and social impact in Poland, as in the EU as a whole. The infection has repeatedly led to border closures in Poland – the situation is currently easing. The EU Commission blocked the EU's coronavirus aid to Poland for a long time. The EU has now made the disbursement of over EUR 30 billion conditional on the independence of the judiciary in Poland. The disbursement of the aid from the EU budget is intended to help cushion the economic consequences of the coronavirus in Poland.