Norwegians on Poland: “a new powerhouse”. They admire our development in the land of the fjords
Poland has become Europe’s new economic powerhouse – says Sindre Heyerdahl, an economic commentator for the Norwegian daily „Aftenposten”. He points to the growth of Polish companies, their foreign expansion and changing patterns of labour migration. In his view, Norway can learn from Poland’s determination in building businesses and conquering new markets.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is strongly committed to Polish-Norwegian cooperation.
Fot. Arno Mikkor (EU2017EE) – Flickr.com (CC BY 2.0)
Until recently, the situation looked different. At its peak, 13,000 Poles a year came to Norway for work, whereas in 2025 the figure was only 360 [in terms of net migration – editor’s note]. The direction of migration is clearly changing. Heyerdahl links this to the growth of the Polish economy, which has created new opportunities for employment and running a business.
Poles are returning home. Norway observes the change
For years, Norway was an important destination for Polish labour migration. Today, as Heyerdahl notes, Poland is attracting both returning emigrants and workers from Western Europe. Many Poles are coming back with savings. The commentator stresses that they also bring experience, professional qualifications and capital accumulated while working abroad.
The country’s economic prospects have also changed. According to “Aftenposten”, the growth of the Polish economy has created new opportunities for workers and people planning to run their own businesses. The scale of the changes is significant. The daily notes that Poland has become one of the world’s 20 largest economies and that its economy is already twice the size of Norway’s.
The country’s economic prospects have also changed. According to “Aftenposten”, the growth of the Polish economy has created new opportunities for workers and people planning to run their own businesses. The scale of the changes is significant. The daily notes that Poland has become one of the world’s 20 largest economies and that its economy is already twice the size of Norway’s.
Polish companies conquer new markets. The economy faces further challenges
Polish businesses are becoming increasingly active in expanding abroad. According to the Norwegian daily, they are entering new markets and even acquiring German companies. Heyerdahl points to cooperation among entrepreneurs. According to the commentator, Polish companies use one another’s services while also striving to scale up their operations and expand internationally.
The newspaper also highlights Poles’ diligence, entrepreneurship and high level of education. Making use of the opportunities arising from membership in the European Union (EU) was also important. Further development, however, will require changes. Heyerdahl notes that the advantage of lower labour costs will gradually lose importance, making innovation increasingly crucial. Among the long-term challenges, he also lists low birth rates, an ageing population and a substantial budget deficit.
The newspaper also highlights Poles’ diligence, entrepreneurship and high level of education. Making use of the opportunities arising from membership in the European Union (EU) was also important. Further development, however, will require changes. Heyerdahl notes that the advantage of lower labour costs will gradually lose importance, making innovation increasingly crucial. Among the long-term challenges, he also lists low birth rates, an ageing population and a substantial budget deficit.
The Norwegian commentator also points to a change in how Poland is perceived abroad. In his view, the country no longer resembles the former Eastern Europe, with which some people still associate it. “It is a modern economy that continues to grow at a very rapid pace,” Heyerdahl stressed.
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