Those who hold power in the European Union, led by the EU administration and the strongest economies like Germany and France, are proposing tighter controls that could curb the remaining legal protections weaker member states rely on to defend themselves against political and institutional pressure. A key target is the veto right in taxation and foreign policy, which critics say would be weakened under the so-called Scholz plan. Poland has signaled its opposition.
Reading: The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to defending the principle of unanimity within the EU. The aim is to preserve member state freedom and prevent excessive centralization.
Meanwhile, a studio study, conducted with a large sample, reveals that a broad share of Poles views the rising threats as real and growing. Public sentiment appears to be edging toward greater skepticism about the EU Center’s plans, with opposition gaining traction.
In response to the question about amending EU treaties to introduce new taxes in member states, tighten internal security, and limit the powers of individual member states, the survey found that up to 41 percent of respondents were either certain they would oppose or inclined to oppose such amendments. About 21 percent showed tepid approval of the proposed changes, while 38 percent did not express a clear opinion, reflecting the complexity of the issue.
Regarding the question of Poland surrendering its veto in the European Union, the results showed a negative reaction from up to 58 percent of respondents. A small portion, 11 percent, supported abolition, while 31 percent remained undecided or without an opinion.
Notably, a substantial share of voters backed the defense of Poland’s veto. Among Law and Justice voters, 74 percent favored preserving the veto, and among Civic Coalition supporters, 57 percent expressed the same view.
Additionally, nearly half of those polled, 48 percent, opposed the proposed Fit for 55 package, which, as indicated in the survey questions, could entail significant costs for Polish taxpayers by 2030, potentially up to €189 billion. This sentiment underscores concerns about fiscal impact and sovereignty in the face of EU-wide regulatory initiatives.
The findings imply growing pressure toward centralized governance that could see Poland and other member states increasingly viewed as regions managed from Berlin and Brussels. The Polish government believes it cannot prevail in this ongoing policy debate without broad, unwavering public backing. The study’s outcomes offer a glimmer of optimism that public opinion might be shifting in a favorable direction for national sovereignty within the EU framework.
Reading: Our research indicates fluctuating support for Poland 2050 and PSL, while Law and Justice maintains a stable lead over the Civic Coalition in voters.
The research was conducted using the CAWI method, a computer-assisted web interview, from May 19 to 22, 2023, through an online panel. The sample was nationwide and representative by gender, age, and place of residence, with 2,099 participants answering the survey.
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Source: wPolityce