Double anniversary in Poland: 30 years of socio-economic transformation and 15 years of membership in the EU

Abstract

The article deals with the results of the socio-economic development of Polish economy in the last thirty years, as well as the outcomes of its fifteen-year membership in the European Union. The author analyzes the results of the economic transformation that took place in the 1990s and describes the main provisions of the ―plan" of Balcerowicz. The article describes both the strengths and the weaknesses of the ―shock therapy". A comprehensive analysis of structure and geography of trade changes is conducted. The place of Poland in the international movement of capital is described. The dynamics of the inflow of direct foreign investment is provided, and their role in the modernization of the national economy is revealed. The author also explores the role of MNCs and the place of Poland in the global value chain and the impact of migration on the socio-economic development of the country. The dynamics of changes in key economic indicators and the modernization of individual sectors of the economy are described. The paper analyzes the participation of Poland in the European Union. The main achievements and problems of Polish economy over 15 years of the EU membership are presented.