Exactly at midnight on 1 May 2004, Poland became a member of the great community known as the European Union. In a referendum held on 7-8 June 2003, as many as 77.45 % of Poles voted in favour of joining the EU, with a turnout of 58.85 %.

Today we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of this unique event. It is 20 years of development of new opportunities, of exchanges of experience - 20 years on the road to a better future for us all.

On 1 May, cultural, educational - and many, many other - events are taking place across the country to commemorate the anniversary of Poland's accession to the European Union. More information can be found at: www.20latwue.pl

A few days ago, the Sejm adopted a resolution on the 20th anniversary of Poland's accession to the European Union. It emphasises that the decision taken two decades ago 'marked the beginning of Poland's participation in the European integration project, while membership itself has brought our country strengthened international cooperation and accelerated economic, social and cultural development'. The document also expresses the hope that the 20th anniversary will become a stimulus to continue efforts for 'a better, stronger, fairer united Europe in which Poland plays an active and responsible role'.