THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE EUROPEAN INTEGRATION FOR POLISH SOCIAL POLICY

The article discusses the impact of European integration on social policy in Poland. Though social policy remains mainly the competence of the EU member states, EU impact on social policy has been clear, already since Poland’s preparation to the membership, thus for more than 20 years. Free movement of workers was the most difficult issue during the accession negotiations, due to fears of the old member states. During the integration, Polish law, especially in the area of labour law, was adjusted to the EU law. Poland entered the EU system of social security coordination An indirect impact of integration has been substantial, especially through contributing to catching up in the level of development.