Poland celebrates country's EU membership ahead of EU elections

Thousands marched Saturday in the Polish capital to celebrate the nation's European Union membership ahead of key European Parliament elections. EU Council President and Poland's former prime minister, Donald Tusk, and Poland's opposition figures led the "Poland in Europe" march through downtown Warsaw.

The pro-EU rally aims to underline that Poles want to be an important member of the 28-nation bloc, even though the current rightwing government is highly critical of the EU and its institutions. "We must always be in the EU, we are Europeans and being together is helping Poland develop and feel safe," said Ewa Gaska, a translator.

Many participants came from across Poland to show their backing for EU membership, which polls show to be at some 85 per cent, among Europe's highest. Leaders from centre-left parties called on Poles to vote in the elections, held here May 26, saying they are crucial for Poland's standing in the EU and for reversing Warsaw's current sceptical approach.

Poland's turnout in European elections has always been well under 30 per cent. Tusk urged people to vote for pro-EU parties, saying it would be a vote for a "free, democratic, Poland without fear, without constraint, without contempt for others."

His words were an apparent criticism of the ruling Law and Justice party whose media, migration and justice policies have deeply divided the country. "A secure Poland in a strong and united Europe is the most precious political value for the Poles today," Tusk said.

Tusk's presence at the rally and at previous public events has raised speculation about whether he is planning to return to Poland's politics and compete against the current Euro-sceptic leadership when his EU term expires in November. The elections are also seen as a test of support between the ruling Law and Justice party and the opposition parties ahead of national parliamentary elections in the autumn.