Członkostwo w Unii Europejskiej a rozwój gospodarczy Polski

This article explores the economic benefits and costs of Poland’s membership in the European Union from 2004–2016. It begins by outlining strategic documents of the EU and Poland regarding economic and social development. Next, the authors look at three major mechanisms which influence the national economy (EU legislation, the EU customs union and the European Single Market, and the EU budget). The final part of the article discusses Polish GDP growth relative to the rest of EU-28, GDP levels across Polish regions, and developments in some key areas of the Polish economy (foreign trade, agriculture, inflow of foreign direct investment, and labour market). The authors argue that the overall economic effects of Poland’s EU membership are positive, but serious challenges lie ahead.