Poland under Economic Crisis Conditions

Abstract Poland is perceived as the European Union (EU) country that copes very well with the consequences of the crisis that started in late 2008. This is corroborated by statistical data related to, among others, economic growth and unemployment rate. This article provides analyses of Poland's responses to the two phases of the crisis so far. It attempts to identify the determinant factors that helped Poland avoid adverse consequences of the crisis and to answer the question whether the priorities adopted in the two phases thereof differ. In particular, the article ventures an analysis of the impact of Poland's membership in the EU on its economic situation. The undertaken analyses have been supplemented with the description and evaluation of the major instruments applied by the Polish government in the period 2009–13 and presentation of the economic and social situation in this regard. The article also verifies the thesis of Poland's good economic standing. On the basis thereof, conclusions for future development scenarios have been drawn up.