Buzek to tell Brussels that Poland has postponed target EU entry to 2004

Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek will today inform the European Commission (EC) that Poland has moved its target date for European Union (EU) entry to the year 2004, from 2003. Making the announcement at a press conference yesterday, European Integration Minister Jacek Saryusz-Wolski said, "We have urged Sweden, the current EU president, for a breakthrough in accession negotiations. It has not come." He went on, "The year 2003 has therefore become unrealistic as our entry goal. The more realistic date is 2004." The minister then explained that in view of the postponement, Poland would probably delay some costly reforms necessary to bring its legislation, industry and infrastructure up to EU standards. He made special reference to motorway construction, environmental protection programs, and planned investment in the country's eastern border regions. At the same time, Saryusz-Wolski promised that Poland planned to fight for equal treatment for current and new EU members. Prime Minister Buzek is in Brussels today to attend a major debate in the European parliament on the EU's structural policy. This is the first time candidate countries have been able to take part in such a debate. (Rzeczpospolita, p.A1/B1; Reuters) A.D.