Polska – Unia Europejska. Polacy – Europejczycy. Integracja Polski z Unią Europejską w opinii społeczeństwa polskiego

The systemic transformation in Poland after 1989 was hugely influenced by one of its key factors: Poland’s accession to the European Community. All the actions undertaken by Polish governments after 1989 were meant to prepare the Polish state for the successful accession process. 1 May 2004, when Poland and nine other countries became fully-fledged members of the Union, marks an unforgettable historic event. The paper brings the analysis of Poland’s accession to the EU and the consequences of its integration with the Community. The author also tries to present an image of a Pole as an European. In his reflection, the author makes reference to the future development of the European Union, also taking into account the latest crisis that has had its impact on the globalized world. What were the feelings that Poles experienced at the early days after the accession? What hopes and anxieties did they have? What changed in Poland after 1 May 2004, in their opinion? What is the role of Poland in the EU and of the Community in the world? How Poles evaluate Polish presence in the EU? What challenges does the EU face? These are only some of the numerous questions presented by the author of the article, dealing with the problem of Poland's accession from the perspective of political sciences, sociology and international relations.