CBOS asked Poles a series of questions concerning European integration, including support for Poland’s membership in the European Union, assessments of its consequences, expectations regarding the direction of changes within the EU, and attitudes toward a potential “Polexit.” Respondents expressed criticism, among other things, of EU actions related to the agreement with Mercosur countries, restrictions connected with the judiciary, as well as climate and environmental policies.
We Still Want to Remain in the EU
The institution emphasizes that the level of approval for Poland’s presence in the European Union remains similar to that recorded in July of last year. As many as 82% of respondents believe that Poland should remain in the EU. An opposing view is held by 14% of those surveyed.
“Among the benefits of EU membership, respondents most frequently mention open borders and freedom of travel (73%), the opportunity to work within the EU (49%), access to EU funds (47%), and improvements in domestic infrastructure (52%),”
according to the CBOS statement.
We Are Beginning to Focus on Sovereignty. We See Risks
A significant group, 38% of respondents, believes that EU membership excessively limits Poland’s sovereignty. Exactly half take the opposite view. Concerns about a reduction in Poland’s sovereignty relate primarily to agriculture and agricultural policy, as well as environmental and climate protection, and the energy transition.
“Since 2022, approval for deeper European integration has clearly declined. Currently, Poles are more divided in their opinions about the desired direction of changes within the EU,”
according to CBOS.
As many as 62% of respondents believe that a hypothetical withdrawal of Poland from the EU would bring more losses than gains for the country. Fewer than one in ten see mainly benefits in such a move, while 16% believe that the gains and losses would be balanced.
The number of people who want Poland to leave the EU, as well as those who favor limiting integration, is growing. Together, they account for 28% of respondents. In 2017, this group represented 16%.
Main Benefits
According to the CBOS poll, the main benefits of Poland’s membership in the EU include open borders and freedom of travel (73%), the freedom to take up employment within the EU (49%), access to EU funds (47%), and improvements in domestic infrastructure (52%). Other advantages mentioned include increased national security, economic development, and benefits for agriculture and farmers. Three percent of respondents see no benefits from Poland’s presence in the EU.
We Have Many Concerns, Mainly Related to Agriculture and Climate
In open-ended questions, respondents were able to specify their concerns about limitations on Poland’s sovereignty. The answers focused primarily on agriculture and agricultural policy, environmental and climate protection, and the related energy transition. Respondents also expressed fears of business failures and the collapse of entire sectors. Critical opinions were also voiced regarding the signing of the agreement with Mercosur, restrictions related to the judiciary, migration policy, and cultural values and standards.
The signing of a trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc was spontaneously cited as an example of limiting Poland’s independence. Fifty-six percent of respondents oppose the agreement, while 16% support it. Thirteen percent have no opinion on the matter, and 15% of those surveyed had not heard of the agreement. According to the poll, the aforementioned free trade agreement has more opponents than supporters across all socio-demographic groups.