According to the latest report from the Polish Economic Institute, Poland's GDP per capita is 40% higher due to its accession to the European Union (EU), with Central European countries experiencing an average increase of 27%. The report highlights the significant impact of EU membership on the region's economic transformation, emphasizing the benefits of open borders and access to the EU single market over direct financial support.
Integration with the EU led to a five-fold increase in foreign direct investment and a remarkable surge in exports, making Central Europe a key export hub. Despite challenges, such as development differences, the report underscores the need for continued efforts to enhance innovation, education, and quality of life across the region.
The analysis reveals that real GDP per capita in EU-8 countries is substantially higher than it would have been without EU accession, with Poland, Slovakia, and Lithuania leading in growth.