Seminar: Poland at a crossroads: how can the economy benefit more from EU accession?, Brussels, 23 January 2008

Poland joined the EU in 2004 and has enjoyed a strong cyclical upswing with unemployment falling considerably. However, real convergence has been slower than in some other Member States and the gap between Poland and the wealthier EU countries remains large.

Scope of the seminar
The aim of the seminar was to assess current developments and prospects for the Polish economy, including any policy lessons that can be drawn for Poland and other new member states with respect to promoting growth and convergence. The first session analysed the drivers of growth and catching-up in order to assess if there had been missed opportunities in Poland and if there is room for policy action to strengthen potential growth. The second session focussed on public finances, which make up a large share of the economy relative to the level of economic development. The structure of expenditure and taxation were examined with a particular view to structural reform and sectoral adjustment. The seminar concluded with a panel discussion on maximising the opportunities from EU Accession.