Support for EU entry high among Poles but land still a point of contention

Some 60% of Poles support the nation's entry to the European Union (EU), but the majority oppose EU citizens purchasing Polish land and homes soon after accession, according to a poll from the Social Opinion Research Centre (CBOS). Respondents support EU accession, although 44% believe the government is too soft in negotiations. The number of opponents to the government's policy on allowing foreigners to purchase homes is much higher, at 81%. Most Poles - 71% - are also against allowing EU firms to buy land for investment without restrictions immediately following Poland's entry into the EU. (Gazeta Wyborcza, Jan. 5-6, p. 4) T.J.