RECONSTRUCTION OF POLISH IDENTITY WITHIN THE EU: A FOREIGN POLICY PERSPECTIVE

Authors : A Veronika İNAN

Pages : 93-120

Doi:10.29228/mjes.443

View : 33 | Download : 27

Publication Date : 2023-06-25

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This article aims to analyze the evolution of Poland’s behaviour in the EU over the years. Such an analysis reveals that the Polish position as a member of the EU is not static and formed once and for all but is rather subject to a continuous reconstruction process. This article argues that the identity of Poland within the EU is not constructed once and for all but is rather subject to changes - specifically between Euro-enthusiasm and Euroscepticism - also affecting the interplay between Polish and European foreign policies. In the process of its candidacy to become a member of the EU, Poland endeavoured to adjust itself to EU standards and adopted EU norms and values. In the first decade of its membership in the EU, Poland had effectively downloaded the EU norms and standards and by behaving according to the logic of appropriateness it gained the necessary trust and approval from the EU. However, the current situation in Poland demonstrates that Poland has retreated from its previous course and has become Eurosceptic. This article further explores the factors behind the current distancing of Poland from the EU.
Keywords : Polonya, Avrupa Birliği, sosyal inşacılık, kimlik, dış politika