Polska w Unii Europejskiej 2004-2010. Perspektywa religijno-aksjologiczna

Abstract

The presented text is a reflection over the Polish presence in the European Union (EU) in the years 2004-2010, assumed from the perspective of the teaching of the Church. The author bases his thoughts on the documents issued by the 316th, 322nd and 326th plenary council of the Polish Episcopal Conference and draws on the preaching of John Paul II of 19th May 2003. The most significant seems to be the following question: to what extent does this membership leave a mark on the promotion of human being, his dignity and rights, and how does this trigger his spiritual growth and increase his prosperity? In other words, Poland’s presence in the EU brings about the question about the religious and axiological meaning of this membership. Does EU constitute a community which may or even should be regarded by the Christians to be a chance to join the creating of a real community of unity, mentioned in the teachings of the Pope? Moreover, is this chance real taking into consideration the political status of Poland in integrating Europe? How does Polish membership in EU contribute to building authentic unity? To what extent is the Church’s appeal followed with regards to the fulfilment of the right of love, the right that unites people and helps them to overcome selfishness, the source of divisions and injustice? Poland’s membership in EU may be judged in the light of the personalistic approach, adopted by Karol Wojtyla, which assumes that EU membership should be a participation, a cooperation, rather than simply “being together” Can Poland’s membership in the EU structures be considered a kind of participation, interpreted within personalistic framework? The author is sure that the abovementioned questions may be answered only partially, because the comprehensive interpretation requires an integral analysis made in an appropriate time perspective, which requires detailed and comprehensive research. The criteria proposed by Joseph Ratzinger may prove helpful here. These criteria are the following: priority of human dignity and human rights, concern of the marriage and family, respect for the Sacrum. In the light of these criteria Poland presents itself in a much more positive way than other EU countries. Understandable is, however, the anxiety resulted from deepening crisis of marriage and family.