Overview
Capital: Warsaw
Official EU language(s): Polish
EU member country: since 1 May 2004
Currency: Polish Złoty (PLN). Poland is currently in the process of preparing to adopt the euro.
Schengen: Schengen area member since 21 December 2007
Figures: Geographical size – population – gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in PPS
Political system
Poland operates as a parliamentary republic with a prime minister serving as the head of government and a president as the head of state. The government structure revolves around the council of ministers. The country is demarcated into 16 provinces, mainly based on its historical regions. Administrative authority at the provincial level is distributed among a government-appointed governor, an elected regional assembly, and an executive chosen by the regional assembly.
Trade and economy
In 2020, the key sectors driving Poland’s economy included wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation, and food services (24.9%), industry (24.2%), and public administration, defense, education, human health, and social work activities (15.3%).
Intra-EU trade constitutes 74% of Poland’s exports, with major partners being Germany (29%), Czechia (6%), and France (5%). Beyond the EU, 6% of exports head to the United Kingdom, and 3% each to Russia and the United States.
Imports are primarily sourced from EU Member States, accounting for 67%, with Germany (27%), the Netherlands (6%), and Italy (5%) being significant contributors. Outside the EU, 10% of imports come from China and 4% from Russia.
Poland in the EU
European Parliament
Poland is represented by 52 members in the European Parliament.
Council of the EU
Polish government representatives regularly participate in Council meetings to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies.
Presidency of the Council of the EU
Poland held the Presidency of the Council of the EU from July to December 2011.
European Commission
Janusz Wojciechowski serves as the Commissioner nominated by Poland to the European Commission, overseeing Agriculture.
European Economic & Social Committee
Poland has 21 representatives on the European Economic and Social Committee, offering consultation on proposed laws affecting work and social situations.
European Committee of the Regions
Poland has 21 representatives on the European Committee of the Regions, ensuring regional perspectives are considered in proposed laws.
Permanent representation to the EU
Poland maintains communication with EU institutions through its permanent representation in Brussels, ensuring effective pursuit of the country’s interests and policies within the EU.
Budgets and Funding
Poland’s contributions to the EU budget are determined based on its economic capacity, supporting various programs and projects across EU countries. The EU budget prioritizes the needs of Europeans as a whole.
