The villain

Though it has long been known that it is impossible for the EU to accomplish its Lisbon Strategy goal of becoming the most competitive economy in the world by 2010, a recent report by the Center for European Reform (CER) shows just how far away EU countries are from reaching at least some of the document's ideals. According to the report, Poland seems to have the longest way ahead.

Every year the CER ranks the EU countries according to their economic performance, and names heroes and villains. Among the 27 countries assessed, Poland was ranked 26, just ahead of Malta.

Poland was branded a villain in eight out of 13 categories. The country failed in scientific research, transport, financial services, unemployment, and environmental protection.

"Poland is the most worrying among the EU's newcomers: its unemployment rate stands at 18 percent, product market competition is fairly restricted and the tax system is overly complicated," wrote Aurore Wanlin from the CER. She also criticized the Polish government for its protectionism: "The populist right-wing government looks unlikely to kick start reforms."

"The report's results spoil Poland's reputation and should be alarming for the government," Polish  MEP Dariusz Rosati told PAP. According to him it will take years for Poland to rebuild its position. Rosati claims that the government cannot understand that the EU can contribute to Poland's development and modernization.

Last week a new version of the foundering Lisbon Strategy, called Lisbon New, was put on the schedule of the EU summit. With its main priorities being limited to speeding up economic growth and reducing unemployment, Poland seems to have little chance to advance in the ranking next year.