Since Poland joined the EU in 2004, about two million Poles have left in search of higher paid jobs, many of them heading to the UK, where they can earn up to four times as much doing the same job here. It is estimated 850,000 Poles now live in the UK, making them the largest non-British nationality.
During the next two years, Britain will negotiate a new relationship with the EU and that will affect the working conditions for Poles in the UK. Politically speaking Poland is losing a powerful ally in the EU, one with a similar outlook towards the single market and towards retaining sanctions against Russia.
Poland’s President Andrzej Duda said efforts must now be made to prevent other countries from leaving.
Poland is the biggest beneficiary of EU funds, which are transforming the country. Warsaw wants to remain, but it will use Brexit to push for a looser EU based on the single market.
