Polska i hiszpańska droga do Unii Europejskiej — próba analizy porównawczej

Abstract

Poland and Spain, despite their location on opposite outskirts of the European Union, are very often compared with each other. The reason for it is not only their similar size and population, but also, in some respects, their similar situation after the Second World War and their experiences in the process of their “return to Europe”. In their eff orts to join the European Community, both countries had problems with similar negotiation areas. The possibility of benefi ting from the Union’s funds, especially the structural funds, is an exceptionally important advantage they gain from the membership in the EU. Finally, during the work over the project of the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, Poland and  Spain took at first similar standson many aspects. On the other hand, there are many serious differences between these countries, which mainly concern often opposite national interests in the European Union, but also their foreign policies. Therefore, a question should be asked, whether comparing Poland with Spain on the European arena is justifi able? The present article is an attempt to answer this question.