A majority of Poles still badly informed about joining the European Union

Nearly 64% of respondents polled by Public Opinion Research Center (CBOS) declared they are interested in European integration, a 15% rise from 2001. Still, some 52%, as compared to 62% last year, complained that they felt badly informed about the subject. The respondents are seriously concerned about the profits of joining the European Union (EU), only 42% maintained that integration may prove beneficial for private firms, the number for the state-owned companies was just 30%. Almost 60%, as compared to 19% in 1996, said that the EU has benefited the most from the bilateral relationship with Poland so far. As a consequence, over half of the respondents suggested that accession should be delayed "until the economy improves." At the same time, 47% said integration with the EU would result in decreased unemployment and 63% hoped for improved environmental protection. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 10) M.K.