EU Commissioner Praises Poland’s Efforts to Restore Rule of Law
In a meeting with Poland’s new pro-EU government, European Union Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders commended their efforts to restore the rule of law in the country. He also expressed hope that these efforts would lead to the release of billions of euros in EU funds that were previously frozen under the previous government.
Reynders met with new Justice Minister Adam Bodnar, as well as the foreign and European affairs ministers and parliament speakers, to discuss the steps being taken by Poland’s month-old government to reverse the controversial judicial policies of the previous administration. These policies had been criticized by the EU as undemocratic.
During a news conference, Reynders expressed his satisfaction with the determination of Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his Cabinet to restore the rule of law in accordance with Poland’s Constitution and the requirements of the EU and the European Convention on Human Rights. He also stated that the European Commission fully supports the government’s efforts.
Reynders expressed optimism that these steps would result in the approval of Poland’s request for the release of approximately 7 billion euros ($7.6 billion) from the post-pandemic recovery funds allocated for the country. This money had been frozen due to rule-of-law disputes with Poland’s previous right-wing government, led by the Law and Justice party.
One of the key steps taken by Tusk’s government was the imprisonment of two members of the previous government who were convicted of abuse of power and document forgery. The government is also implementing personnel changes in vital judicial bodies and some courts where rule-of-law principles had been called into question.
While these steps have faced criticism from the opposition, who lost power in the October elections, Justice Minister Bodnar defended them as necessary and well thought-out during the news conference.
