Polskość i europejskość w procesie integracji kontynentu

Abstract

The European Union’s cultural background consists of historical achievements of Europe as the whole and of its countries, in particular big West-European ones (Italy, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain). Polish identity developed under influence of Europe’s cultural output. Poland transformed it, enriched it with genuine contents and on its part contributed to European civilization achievements. In addition, Poland adopted some elements of Eastern culture as well, especially during the period of Polish-Lithuanian union. Polish contribution to the European Union in the future can be influenced by common cultural and civilization values, Christian background, similarity of political systems and experiences of Polish-Lithuanian union. However, Polish society reveals anti-integration attitudes, too, including relics of gentry tradition, romantic idealism, unstable party system, educational weakness, as well as a great deal of prejudice and stereotypes.