Why did Poland, where meat and sugar were rationed until the 1980s, make it into the world’s top 20 economic powers?

After democratization in 1989, Poland built stronger courts and competition rules, helping set the stage for rapid growth.

EU membership, expanded education, and a more open economy pushed Poland’s GDP above $1 trillion and into the global top 20.

The AP report highlights Poland as a case study in how institutional reform and European integration can transform a poor post-communist country.

Growth has also been supported by entrepreneurship and firms like Solaris, including in sectors such as electric buses and PPP projects.