Benefits of EU membership will only follow successful internal reform

Central bank Governor Leszek Balcerowicz warned on Saturday that how much the nation will benefit from EU membership depended on completing deep structural and fiscal reforms. Poland would maximize the advantages of joining the wealthy bloc if it dropped the zloty as soon as possible in favour of the euro Balcerowicz said, rebuffing appeals for a go-slow from both the EU and the European Central Bank. The historic summit in Copenhagen prompting Balcerowicz to preach his oft-repeated calls for reforms. "We are being given a chance," he said, "But the degree to which we take advantage of this opportunity depends on public policy. Maximizing the benefits requires a radical change in fiscal policy," he added. (Reuters) A.Z.