Challenges facing Poland – 25 years after regaining independence

Abstract

The twenty five years of sovereignty after the fall of the communist system has been Poland’s success both in terms of internal, economic and political transformation as well as foreign policy and its role in international politics. These achievements, however, have not changed the fact that there is still much more to do. No nation, at no moment of existence is free from new challenges. The internal challenges that Poland must face today include ascertaining the functionality of the political system, further Europeanisation of Poland and implementation of European living standards, or taking necessary measures to prevent a demographic collapse. Among the external
challenges, the joining of the Eurozone which is currently becoming the nucleus of European integration is of foremost priority. Poland will also have to play an active role in the shaping of the future identity of the European Union as an institution, and actively promote the European character of Eastern Europe as part of its history and consequence of its geopolitical location.