No. 1 in the EU

Let me be allowed to say how happy I am to present this May number of "Eurobuild Poland", the more so that despite the number 5 (73) displayed on its cover it is the first number of the magazine published in the European Union. Poland's appearance in the EU is an enormously important event for the construction and real estate market, but you would be very wrong to expect immediate effects in the shape of an invasion of office, shopping centre and warehouse space tenants. And no one should count on a flood of money offered by banks and European funds. What everyone is looking for, indeed fervently expecting, is the credibility and stability which will result from our becoming an EU member of the same status as all the others. We are convinced this will translate into concrete effects in the shape of rising investments and economic growth - something which is bound to have a huge impact on the industry we serve. Ireland, to which Poland frequently tends to refer, is the most obvious example justifying such a claim. But before we line up alongside our allies on the Emerald Isle, a much great and strenuous effort lies ahead. Something which we must keep uppermost in mind at all times. Poland's politicians have displayed how limited is their knowledge about EU structures and what they stand for. We do not doubt that real estate specialists versed in day-to-day practice are much better aware of what is going on in countries to the west of Poland, but even so we decided to take a look at what is happening on the Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam property markets, and also peered at events in Prague and Budapest. To all who may be interested, a look at page 12, where some information is offered on developments among our cousins in the European family, might prove worthwhile.