The European Union Commission announced on Monday that it would conclude the rule of law proceedings it had initiated against Poland six years earlier. The Commission’s President, Ursula von der Leyen, delivered her congratulations to the Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, calling the development the culmination of Poland’s dedicated and sustained commitment to reform. [Statement]
In 2017, the Commission started proceedings under Article 7 of the European Union Treaty against Poland. These mechanisms are designed to confront violations of EU values by member states. Recognizing the serious nature of the breach from all other governments, acknowledging the infractions within a state, and ultimately voting on sanctions are the stages involved in the Article 7 protocol. [Initiation]
The proceedings were triggered when Poland’s PiS (Law and Justice) government undertook several reforms. These included judicial restructuring, appointing friendly members prematurely, and prematurely terminating the terms of incumbent judges. These moves led to allegations of the PiS operating unlawfully. The Commission argued that these actions compromised the separation of powers and posed severe barriers to the implementation of EU law.
Since his election in 2023, Tusk has been on a mission to restore legal order and enhance connections with Brussels. The Prime Minister’s plan included nine proposed laws to reestablish judicial independence and promises to adhere to rulings from the European Court of Justice. By February, Poland received a previously denied €137 billion from the EU Commission after it unlocked the funds. [Promise]
The cessation of proceedings was warmly received by Poland’s government. Adam Bodnar, the Polish Minister of Justice, stated, “Poland is [consequently] bringing back the rule of law. We are determined and devoted to our European [values].” [Statement]
In her statement, President Von der Leyen said, “Today, marks a new chapter for Poland… I congratulate Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his government on this significant breakthrough. It is the outcome of their hard work and strategic reform efforts. The ongoing restoration of the rule of law in Poland is great for the Polish people and for our Union as a whole. It attests to the resilience of the rule of law and democracy in Europe.”
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