Dr. Paulina Lenik (Jagiellonian University)
Poland has long been one of the European Union’s biggest beneficiaries. Since joining the EU in 2004, it has received hundreds of billions of euros in structural and cohesion funds, transforming infrastructure, modernizing agriculture, and boosting regional development. Yet paradoxically, Euroscepticism has grown steadily, especially during the rule of the Law and Justice (PiS) party from 2015 to 2023. This is a paradox, of a member state having benefitted from the financial support of the Union, and yet not exhibiting a positive attitude towards the polity.
The Paradox of Prosperity
Despite billions in EU funding, Poland has seen a surge in Euroscepticism, driven by political polarization, cultural tensions, and concerns over sovereignty. EU funds have visibly reshaped Poland: highways, renovated town squares, and upgraded public services bear the EU flag. But gratitude hasn’t translated into trust. Instead, many Poles, especially in rural and conservative regions, view Brussels with suspicion. Why? Let us enumerate several explanatory factors that contribute to that dissonance.
For one – sovereignty concerns: PiS framed EU oversight as an infringement on national autonomy, especially in judicial reforms and media regulation. One of the central pillars of Poland’s rising Euroscepticism under PiS was the issue of national sovereignty. PiS consistently portrayed EU oversight, particularly in areas like judicial independence and media regulation, as an overreach that threatened Poland’s right to self-govern. Brussels’ criticism of Poland’s judicial reforms, which many EU officials viewed as undermining democratic checks and balances, was framed by PiS as an attack on Polish values and constitutional autonomy. This narrative resonated with many voters who felt that EU institutions were imposing foreign standards on domestic affairs, fuelling a broader sentiment that Poland was being punished for defending its own identity and traditions.
Second – the cultural resistance: EU liberal values often clash with Poland’s conservative social norms, fuelling narratives of cultural imposition. The tension between EU liberal values and Poland’s conservative social norms has become a potent source of cultural friction. The European Union promotes progressive stances on issues like LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and secular governance, principles that often conflict with Poland’s deeply rooted Catholic traditions and socially conservative outlook. For many Poles, especially in rural areas and among older generations, these EU norms are perceived not as shared European ideals but as foreign mandates that threaten national identity and moral foundations. Political actors like PiS have capitalized on this divide, framing EU advocacy for liberal reforms as a form of cultural imperialism. This narrative suggests that Brussels seeks to “re-engineer” Polish society, undermining traditional family structures and religious values. As a result, even as EU funds continue to flow into the country, a growing segment of the population views the Union not as a partner in progress, but as a force of unwanted cultural imposition.
Thirdly, economic anxiety: despite growth, some communities feel left behind, blaming EU policies for rising costs and competition. Economic anxiety has become a subtle yet powerful driver of Euroscepticism in Poland. While the country has enjoyed impressive GDP growth and infrastructure development since joining the EU, the benefits have not been evenly distributed. In smaller towns and rural areas, many residents feel sidelined by globalization and modernization, which they associate with EU-driven policies. Rising costs of living, especially in food, energy, and housing, are often blamed on EU regulations or market liberalization. Additionally, competition from foreign companies and labour mobility within the EU has led to fears of job insecurity and wage stagnation. These concerns are amplified by political narratives that portray the EU as favouring urban elites and multinational interests over local workers and small businesses. As a result, even in regions that visibly benefit from EU funding, economic unease fosters resentment and fuels the perception that Brussels is out of touch with everyday Polish struggles.
Ironically, the very EU funds that are meant to alleviate economic anxiety have, in some cases, become entangled in the narratives that fuel it. These grants are designed to reduce regional disparities, modernize infrastructure, and create jobs, precisely the kinds of interventions that should ease economic insecurity. Yet the perception gap remains as many citizens feel disconnected from these benefits. The paradox lies in the fact that the EU’s financial support is often invisible in daily life or attributed to national efforts rather than European solidarity. When economic frustrations arise, be it from inflation, job precarity, or perceived inequality, Brussels becomes an easy scapegoat, despite its role as a key investor in Poland’s development. This disconnection between intention and perception underscores the complexity of fostering not just economic growth, but also political and emotional alignment within the EU.
Conclusion
The current Polish government has thawed relations with Brussels, unlocking frozen funds and pledging deeper integration. But rebuilding trust is a long game. Many voters remain wary, and opposition parties still tap into Eurosceptic themes. The challenge ahead is not just political, but also emotional. How can the EU be seen not just as a benefactor, but as a partner? That seems to require more than financial support. It demands dialogue, respect for national identity, and policies that feel fair and inclusive for people all across society.
Dr. Paulina Lenik is an assistant professor and a researcher at Taube Centre for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences (2024-2026) at the Jagiellonian University.
The views expressed in this blog reflect the position of the author and not necessarily that of the PROSPER network.
