While browsing social media, I recently came across a map that compared the GDP per capita of various countries with that of Poland in 1990 and 2018. The map revealed a significant decrease in the number of countries with a higher GDP per capita than Poland over the years. South American and African countries were no longer highlighted on the map by 2018.
By 2025, Poland’s GDP had grown almost 8-fold from $6,690 in 1990 to $51,630 in 2024, according to data from the International Monetary Fund. This remarkable economic growth was attributed to factors such as hard work by citizens and the contributions of institutions like NATO and the European Union.
Joining NATO in 1999 provided security guarantees and helped bridge the gap between Eastern and Western Europe. Five years later, joining the European Union granted Poland access to “cohesion funds” and the common European market, further boosting its economic success.
Despite political changes since the fall of communism in 1989, Poland’s commitment to joining these organizations remained constant, as the nation sought allies to enhance its international presence.
The experience of Poland in transitioning from a struggling country to a thriving economy could serve as a model for other “middle powers” seeking growth through good governance, foreign investments, and stability.
In the face of global challenges, it is important to reform existing institutions rather than discard them entirely to maintain international dialogue and prevent resorting to violence.
Poland’s focus on security, encompassing military, economic, and digital aspects during its presidency of the European Union Council, highlights the benefits of peace, cooperation, and stability in achieving prosperity over time.
The path to prosperity lies in peace, predictability, cooperation, and stability, as demonstrated by Poland’s journey over the past three decades.