A new round of polling has revealed that roughly one in four Poles now say they support leaving the European Union.
At first glance, that sounds dramatic. After all, Poland has long been one of the EU’s biggest success stories, both economically and politically. But the full picture is a bit more complicated.
According to a recent survey conducted by IBRiS for the Polish news outlet Wirtualna Polska, 24.7% of respondents believe Poland should begin the process of leaving the EU, often referred to as “Polexit.”
At the same time, a clear majority, around 66%, say they are opposed.
Who Supports Polexit (and Who Doesn’t)
The poll shows very sharp divisions depending on political views, age, and where people live.
Support for leaving the EU is highest among voters for right-wing and far-right parties. Nearly half of voters for Law and Justice (PiS) and over 40% of Confederation supporters say they favour starting the exit process.
Among voters for Poland’s current pro-EU governing coalition, support for Polexit is almost non-existent.
Age also plays a major role. The most eurosceptic group is people aged 30 to 49, where support for leaving the EU reaches close to 40%.
By contrast, young adults aged 18 to 29 are overwhelmingly pro-EU, with only about 13% backing Polexit.
Urban and rural differences matter too. Support for leaving the EU is noticeably higher in rural areas, while residents of Poland’s largest cities remain strongly in favour of staying.
Why Is Support for Leaving the EU Growing?
For many Poles who are sceptical of the EU, the issue is not travel, work opportunities, or EU funding. Instead, criticism often focuses on:
- EU migration policy
- Agricultural regulations
- Climate policy
- Accusations that Brussels interferes in Poland’s internal political
On the right, Polexit is increasingly framed as a question of sovereignty and national control, rather than economics.
As one pollster put it, the idea of leaving the EU has gone from being “politically exotic” to something that now forms part of political identity for some voters.
How This Compares to the Rest of Europe
Poland is not alone. An international, multi-country survey recently found that France, for example, recorded even higher levels of euroscepticism. there, 27% of people say they want their country to leave the EU.
That same survey, just like the one by Wirtualna Polska, showed Poland’s support for Polexit at 25%.
What Polexit Would Actually Mean
Despite the headlines, Polexit is not imminent. There is no formal process underway, and Poland’s current government remains firmly pro-EU.
Leaving the EU would be legally complex and economically risky. Polish officials have warned that an exit would likely make the country poorer and less secure, especially given Poland’s geographic position and security concerns related to Russia.
Why This Matters for Ordinary People
For most Poles and foreigners living in Poland, EU membership affects everyday life in very practical ways: freedom of movement, access to jobs, study opportunities, and consumer protections.
This is also a good reminder that visa-free travel doesn’t mean zero preparation. Things like insurance requirements, and documentation still vary by country.
If you are:
- A Pole living abroad
- Part of the Polish diaspora
- A foreigner living in Poland
- Someone considering studying or working in Poland
This debate is worth paying attention to, even if Polexit itself remains unlikely.
Final Thoughts
Support for leaving the EU has clearly grown in Poland, but it is still far from a majority position. For now, the country remains firmly anchored in Europe, even as debates about sovereignty and integration continue.
As with many political trends, the reality is more nuanced than the headlines suggest. However, Polexit will undoubtedly be a major talking point in future local, national and European elections in Poland.