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On 1 May 2004, Poland joined the European Union (EU), which initiated close political, economic, and cultural cooperation.
On May 1st, 2004, Poland became the first of the 10 Central and Eastern European countries to join the European Union. The historic milestone marked the culmination of a long and difficult process for Poland, which began in 1989 when the country overthrew communism and embarked on a path of democratic and economic reform.
The accession of Poland to the EU was met with great enthusiasm from both the Polish public and the international community.
Today, Poland is an important member of the EU, and its accession has helped to strengthen the union and advance its common goals. As Poland continues to progress and develop, its accession to the EU stands as a remarkable example of the power of the European project and a reminder of the importance of cooperation and solidarity.
At midnight, on May 1, 2004, Poland has become a full member of the European Union. Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia, Slovenia and Hungary also joined the EU. It was the biggest EU enlargement ever. The official EU event was held in Dublin under the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU.