The Polish Institute along with the Centre for European Studies of Jindal School of International affairs (JSIA) recently organized an exhibition titled Poland – 15 Years in The European Union at the university from 5 to 17 September 2019.

The exhibition was produced and presented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the Foundation Natolin European Centre.

In the initial period following the toppling of communist rule, the differences in the political system and level of development between Western Europe and Central and Eastern Europe seemed too big to warrant the success of Poland’s quick integration with the developed countries in the West. The nascent democratic mechanisms and the budding market economy in Poland had to be strengthened. For this reason at its summit meeting in Copenhagen in 1993, the European Council set clear criteria for Poland’s future membership of the EU.

The exhibition also highlighted how in June 2003, a referendum was organised in Poland about accession to the European Union. Poland’s membership of the EU was supported by 77.45% of voters, with a turn-out of 58.85%. On 1 May 2004, the Republic of Poland became a full Member of the European Union. A month later Poles for the first time voted for their representatives to the European Parliament.

The exhibition was visited by students and faculty at the Jindal University and allowed for continued interest and cooperation between the university and the Polish Institute.