By Jaroslaw Pietras

Dr Jarosław Pietras, former Deputy Chief Negotiator for Poland's accession to the EU, reflects on the impact of the enlargement that took place 20 years ago and the economic and other benefits it brought not only to Poland and other countries that joined but to the EU as a whole. The decision to enlarge the European Union in 2004 was a testament to the Union's commitment to unity, diversity and solidarity. Today, there are still valuable lessons to be learned from it for any future pre-accession negotiations. 

After 20 years, it is quite clear that the admission of most of the Central European countries, along with Malta and Cyprus, to the EU not only represented a "great enlargement" but was a historic milestone for the entire European Union. The impact was profound, particularly on the economic landscape of the newly admitted nations.

The enlargement significantly boosted the standard of living in Central European countries. The eight Central European countries - Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia - collectively experienced a remarkable increase in their purchasing power parity (PPP) GDP per capita, surpassing what could have been achieved had they remained outside the EU. The statistics always refer to averages about the tangible benefits brought about by integration. It is worth noting that even if the gains were not evenly distributed among the member states, with some experiencing more significant improvements than others, all countries have shown significant improvements. For instance, Lithuania and Poland emerged as front runners, reaping the most substantial benefits from EU membership, while Estonia and Slovenia have made less progress as they faced challenges, especially due to the impact of the 2008 financial crisis.

Accession to the European Union ushered in a new era of economic prosperity for Poland and its Central European counterparts. Poland, in particular, stands out as a success story of post-accession development. The country experienced unprecedented economic growth, with its GDP doubling between 2004 and 2022. Similarly, other member states in the region also witnessed substantial growth in their GDP per capita, albeit at varying rates. Slovakia and Lithuania, for instance, demonstrated commendable progress, further narrowing the development gap with Western Europe. The statistical data from this period paints a picture of resilience and dynamism, as these countries leveraged EU membership to drive economic expansion and enhance their global competitiveness. This remarkable achievement underscores the transformative impact of EU integration on the economies of all new member states. And it happened despite the impact of the financial crisis, during which the new EU members achieved higher growth rates than expected.

The period following the 2004 EU enlargement was not without its challenges. For example, the global financial crisis of 2008 sent shockwaves across the European economy, testing the resilience of both established and newly-integrated member states. Despite the adverse effects of the crisis, the new EU members demonstrated remarkable resilience, outperforming initial growth projections. Their ability to weather the storm and maintain positive growth rates underscored the strength of their economies and the benefits of EU integration. While the crisis posed significant challenges, it also provided an opportunity for these countries to benefit fully from the close link to the European economy. This was also a test of how committed the newly acceded countries were to European values and solidarity in times of adversity.

Throughout the negotiation process Polish civil society emerged as a powerful force for change and progress. Civil society organisations, grassroots movements and advocacy groups played a crucial role in promoting EU integration and upholding democratic values in Poland. Their tireless efforts to raise awareness, mobilise support and hold leaders accountable were instrumental in shaping public opinion and driving positive change. By actively engaging with citizens, fostering dialogue and promoting transparency, Polish civil society helped to ensure that the negotiation process remained inclusive, democratic and responsive to the needs of the people. Their contributions not only facilitated Poland's accession to the EU but also strengthened the foundations of democracy and civil society in the country.

The decision to enlarge the European Union in 2004 was a testament to the union's commitment to unity, diversity and solidarity. By welcoming most Central European countries, along with Malta and Cyprus, into its fold, the EU expanded its economic potential, cultural richness and geopolitical influence. The accession of these countries brought new perspectives, talents and opportunities to the union, enriching its tapestry of diversity and strengthening its global presence. From a geopolitical standpoint, the enlargement enhanced the EU's influence and stability by integrating Central and Eastern European countries into its framework of cooperation and collaboration. Institutionally, it diversified the EU's perspectives and deepened its integration, laying the foundation for a more united and resilient union.

Reflecting on the experiences of the 2004 EU enlargement, there are valuable lessons to be learned, especially regarding the negotiation process and pre-accession preparations. If I were to embark on a similar journey today, I would advocate for putting a stronger emphasis on pre-accession conditions and support mechanisms in all future negotiations, particularly in the areas of governance and the rule of law. It is essential to ensure that candidate countries meet the necessary criteria and standards before joining the EU to safeguard the integrity of the union and uphold its values. Additionally, providing adequate support and assistance to candidate countries during the negotiation process is crucial for their successful integration and long-term stability within the EU.

At the heart of the negotiation process for the 2004 EU enlargement was a shared commitment to fostering stability, democracy and prosperity across Europe. The desire to strengthen the bonds of cooperation and solidarity among European nations guided the negotiations, as both candidate countries and existing EU members recognised the mutual benefits of enlargement. While the negotiations were complex and challenging, they were ultimately driven by a shared vision of a united and prosperous Europe, where all nations could thrive together within the framework of the European Union.

As EU candidate countries navigate the path to accession in 2024, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, prioritising reforms that align with EU standards and values is essential for successful integration and long-term stability within the union. This includes strengthening democratic institutions, promoting the rule of law and safeguarding fundamental rights and freedoms. Additionally, engaging proactively with existing EU members to build trust and support is crucial for a smooth transition into the union. By demonstrating a genuine commitment to European values and cooperation, candidate countries can pave the way for their own brighter future within the European Union.

Jaroslaw Pietras is currently Visiting Fellow at the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies in Brussels and Visiting Professor at the College of Europe in Bruges.

He worked as part of the team negotiating Poland's accession to the EU from 1998, when the negotiations started, until 2004, when Poland joined the EU. From 1990 to 2006, he served in his native Poland as Secretary of State in the Ministry of Finance, Secretary of State for Europe and Head of the Office of the Committee for European Integration. From 2008 to 2020, he worked as Director General at the Council of the European Union, covering a broad range of policy areas (climate change, environment, transport, telecoms, energy, education, culture, audio-visual, youth and sport). Holder of a PhD in Economics from the University of Warsaw, he is the author of a number of publications on the EU, sustainability and trade issues. He has also been a Fulbright Foundation scholar and a member of the board of think-tank BRUEGEL (2008-2011).