It was hard work, some politics, but it lacked the cronyism of Russia and the rigid controls of France. In a sense Poland was allowed to expand because they did what was necessary, and have pulled together splendidly.
In Project Syndicate there is a laudatory article on Poland well worth reading. He states:
Last
month, Donald Tusk, Poland’s former prime minister, was appointed
President of the European Council, thus becoming one of Europe’s three
top leaders. This decision not only reflected Tusk’s successful
leadership in Poland, where he ensured political stability and oversaw
impressive economic progress; it was also a clear signal that EU leaders
fully acknowledge Poland’s political and economic importance. It also
signaled to the other new member states that they are true equals in
European decision-making. Again,
it was Poland that paved the way, reminding the old member states from
the outset of the accession process that it was not an outsider or a
poor relative in need of charity, but rather a source of inspiration in
the European integration process, its impact delayed only by World War
II and its aftermath. Now, after ten years of EU membership, a new
Golden Age for Poland may be on the horizon. Poland
has the potential to become a European leader again. Firmly anchored in
the community of Western democracies, its role transcends the technical
aspects of the European integration process, for it bears the
responsibility of ensuring that no new barrier excludes our Eastern
neighbors from taking part in this process.
Poland is what Russia could have become. The irony is that the tower in downtown Warsaw built as a "gift" of Stalin to the Polish people still stands in all is Soviet "beauty" while across the street is the Marriott, a western hotel built by Russian investors. In between springs forth a new Poland, looking westward and growing economically as an example to the rest of the Free World.
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