Economist with E&Y publish report on implications of EU membership

According to a report by Ernst & Young (E&Y) and The Economist Corporate Network, Polish companies are not afraid of European integration. "Generally Polish companies feel positive about integration, with only 10% stating that they will suffer losses on joining EU," Jerzy Cieslik, a partner with Ernst & Young said. Businesspeople are very satisfied with changes to the law to ensure that is in accordance with European Union (EU) legislation, so that future cooperation between companies will run smoothly. What they are afraid of, however are the tough regulations on environmental protection, which are strictly enforced and the strengthening of employees rights. "Entering the EU gives a country the chance of boosting its economy and to raise salaries, while Central and Eastern European companies will be able to operate on the EU market," said Cieslik. (Rzeczpospolita, p. B2) K.S.