Today marks the fifth anniversary of Poland's entry into the Europan Union. It is also the Labor Day - a state holiday left over from the times of communist regime in the country. For Catholics, the 1st of May is the Feast of St. Joseph, the worker.
Polish and foreign politicians gathered in Warsaw for a session commemorating the country's EU accession. 'Poland is important to Europe,' said head of the European Commision, Jose Manuel Barroso addressing the participants of the session. He added that Europe remembers the fact that the changes which led to the fall of communism 25 years ago had started in Poland. He also stressed the role and spiritual guidance of the late pope John Paul II in the process.
Although the EU can enjoy a generally positive attitude in media and political circles, many Poles have complaints about how the organization is trying to bypass democratic procedures and become a superstate, which imposes far left social ideology, especially on countries with a strong Christian and conservative tradition, such as Poland.
A series of events marking the anniversary of Poland's EU accession are taking place around the country. Communist groups commemorate labor day with rallies. One parade has been organized in Warsaw by ex-communist far left Democratic Left Alliance party, and it was attended mostly by elderly people. In Katowice, the Democratic Left Alliance march joins with the march of the homeless. And Catholics all over the country celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph.