I remember it really, really well. No more queues to buy basic ingredients, regular visits to the Police station, inability to travel to countries outside of the Iron Curtain. Late 1980’s and beginning of 1990’s in the Eastern Europe and Poland have seen a seismic political and economic transformation, which included first free elections,

As a teenager, through my church community, in the middle of 1990’s, I was lucky enough to visit Italy on a few occasions. My deep desire to move around was so strong! Yes, our passports had to be checked at each border, however visiting some of the world landmarks was truly beyond extraordinary. On the other hand, I also felt a bit of resentment and “human jealousy”. After many years of oppression, stagnation, Poland was re-starting its journey towards prosperity. We had so much catching-up to do. It did feel at times like a mission impossible. Despite some difficult “post Berlin Wall beginnings”, I always felt very proud to be Polish.

In 2001, I left Poland for Croatia, where I had an opportunity to start my MA in History. After completing my University and after getting married, we moved to Italy and then eventually to the United Kingdom.

Since settling in Britain in 2005, I have been frequently traveling to Poland. Sometimes, you need to look back at the journey of your nation, the grief, suffering and sacrifice of many, to appreciate even more the positive transformation, some superb outcomes in my homeland. People often ask, what are the key ingredients of the Polish story?

I think that we often forget that Poland is the sixth economy in the EU. It is the 5^th most populous country in the EU and 9^th largest country in Europe. Moreover, the Polish GDP growth is expected to be around 3.1% in 2024, whereas in the UK only around 1.1%. Poland, for a number of years now, has been the biggest beneficiary nation of the EU funds, which in my view, have been wisely spent on key infrastructure projects. Something unimaginable 30 years ago e.g. motorway drive across Poland from Lublin to Wroclaw, is now a reality.

The Polish economy is creative, adaptable, accessible and open to new markets and possibilities. Its workforce is still young, driven and skilled. Its strategic location is also an advantage. I found it really interesting that between 4,000-5,000 Italian nationals live in Warsaw, as the Polish capital city provides endless employment opportunities. The country, also in relation to its socio-cultural fabric, is changing rapidly and it attracts a large number of foreign workers or students.

There are also many other reasons why the Polish are really positive. Although people still rush and try to do thousands of things, the quality of life is actually quite good. We often say that the grass is always greener on the other side? Is it all perfect? No, it is not. There are plenty of social and geo-political challenges. The inflation, cost of living crisis has also hit Poland hard.

Being Polish always felt good, however in more recent years, we have so many other reasons to be proud of our roots and our nation as a whole. I am so pleased to see that we are no longer at the tail end of Europe. Although our democracy is still relatively young, we can be thrilled with Polish development and our various successes. I hope that this positive story will continue for many years to come.

For anyone who have not visited Poland yet, I highly recommend a trip to a country, which has already surprised many. Our regular tourists know that Poland must be added to any bucket list!

* Michal Siewniak is a Lib Dem activist and councillor for Handside ward, Welwyn Hatfield.