The Inquiry Why is Poland’s economy booming?
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Mar 10, 2026 Rafal Benecki, ING chief economist in Poland, outlines diversification, tech talent and defence-driven R&D. Katarzyna Rzentarzewska, Erste Group macro economist, analyses the impact of Ukrainian arrivals on labour supply. Iga Magda, Warsaw School of Economics labour researcher, discusses employment shifts and demographics. Dr Pawel Bukowski, UCL economist, traces post-communist institutional change and investment.
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Post-Communist Shock Sparked Market Transition
- Poland's post-1989 shock was massive but opened paths to market reforms and growth.
- Pawel Bukowski describes hyperinflation, unemployment emergence and rapid institutional transition after price controls were lifted in 1990.
Personal Memory Of Parental Unemployment During Transition
- Pawel Bukowski recalls personal family hardship as Poland transitioned: his parents became unemployed.
- He uses this example to show public excitement mixed with fear and uncertainty about starting enterprises.
EU Entry Attracted Manufacturing And Know-How
- EU accession in 2004 shifted Poland's trade toward Western Europe and unlocked large foreign direct investment.
- Pawel Bukowski notes German carmakers set up factories, bringing jobs, technology and supply-chain know-how to Poland.