Go to (on this page): content, search field of menu.
U bevindt zich op: Home › News › Press releases and news items
News item | 27-03-2008
The accession of Poland in 2004 has made the European Union stronger, according to Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende. 'Poland has resumed its place within Europe.'
The Prime Minister expressed this message at a guest lecture in Warsaw, during a two-day visit to Poland with Minister for European Affairs Frans Timmermans and executives from several large Dutch companies.
'European integration is a success story,' said Balkenende. 'Within a few decades of joining the EU, poor countries like Ireland and Spain developed into economic powerhouses. The same future could lie ahead for Poland.'
Prime Minister Balkenende said that 'the European Union is a community of values - fundamental values that bind us. Values like respect for human rights and human dignity, tolerance, equality, freedom and solidarity.'
Balkenende went on to say that the EU 'is also an economic union that enables its members to face the challenges of the twenty-first century and seize the opportunities created by a globalising world'.
'The accession of Poland - and the other new members - has given the European economy a dynamism that the old group never could have achieved. A high growth potential, new market opportunities.'
The Netherlands is the largest foreign investor in Poland and the second most important investment destination for Polish businesses. 'Trade in both directions is increasing rapidly,' according to Balkenende.
The Prime Minister also pointed out that there are mutual advantages on the labour market. 'In the Netherlands, Poles have the reputation of working very hard and delivering quality workmanship. (…) The money, experience and knowledge they bring back to Poland are contributing to this country's future.'
'Since 1980 Poland has undergone a true transformation,' said Balkenende, pointing to the country's transition from communism to democracy, economic progress, NATO membership, and of course its accession to the EU in 2004.
'Poland has resumed its place within Europe, and that is as it should be. Indeed you could say Poland is Europe.'
27-03-2008