The EU’s executive decides to end legal standoff with Poland over democracy concerns
7 months, 2 weeks ago

The EU’s executive decides to end legal standoff with Poland over democracy concerns

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Union’s executive decided on Monday to end its 6-year dispute with member state Poland, saying Prime Minister Donald Tusk has initiated the necessary changes to reverse what the bloc called the previous government’s backsliding on democratic principles. “Today, marks a new chapter for Poland,” said EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling the breakthrough the result of the country’s determined 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.” The EU and Poland had been at odds after the stridently nationalist Law and Justice party came to power in 2015 and implemented reforms that critics said placed Poland’s judiciary under political control. Poland’s pro-European coalition of three center-left parties led by Tusk won parliamentary elections on Oct. 15, succeeding the Law and Justice party that also had introduced changes to reproductive rights and the media that put Poland increasingly on a collision course with the EU.

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History of this topic

EU to drop rule-of-law dispute with Poland
7 months, 2 weeks ago

EU to drop rule-of-law dispute with Poland

Al Jazeera  

European Union says Poland has launched a series of measures to address concerns about judicial independence. “Today, marks a new chapter for Poland,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, calling the breakthrough a result of the country’s determined reform efforts. “The ongoing restoration of the rule of law in Poland is great for the Polish people and our …

EU to begin releasing billions of euros to Poland that were frozen over previous government policies
9 months, 3 weeks ago

EU to begin releasing billions of euros to Poland that were frozen over previous government policies

The Independent  

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EU moves to end standoff with Poland over anti-EU policies and begins to release billions in funds
9 months, 3 weeks ago

EU moves to end standoff with Poland over anti-EU policies and begins to release billions in funds

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Union took a major step Thursday in ending its standoff with member state Poland, saying it would start releasing billions of euros that were frozen over what the bloc said were the previous Polish government’s backsliding on democratic principles. Both sides had openly clashed after the stridently nationalist Law and Justice party came to power in …

Top EU official says decisions coming next week on the release of massive funds for Poland
10 months ago

Top EU official says decisions coming next week on the release of massive funds for Poland

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The head of the European …

Top EU official says decisions coming next week on the release of massive funds for Poland
10 months ago

Top EU official says decisions coming next week on the release of massive funds for Poland

Associated Press  

WARSAW, Poland — The head of the European Union’s powerful Commission announced on Friday in Warsaw that decisions will be taken soon to release billions of euros to Poland, funds frozen by the bloc over the previous Polish government’s anti-EU policies. Ursula von der Leyen said she had “good news” and that the decision to release 137 billion euros will …

EU welcomes Polish plan to address concerns about democratic backsliding
10 months ago

EU welcomes Polish plan to address concerns about democratic backsliding

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — Senior European Union officials on Tuesday welcomed a plan by Poland’s new government to address concerns about democratic backsliding and expressed hope that it could end years of legal wrangling. In 2017, the European Commission launched a so-called Article 7 legal procedure, which threatened to suspend Poland’s EU voting rights “to protect the rule of law in Europe.” …

EU releasing 5 billion euros to Poland by year’s end as new government works to restore rule of law
1 year ago

EU releasing 5 billion euros to Poland by year’s end as new government works to restore rule of law

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Union will by year’s end transfer to Poland the first 5 billion euros in funding that was frozen over democratic backsliding under the previous government, the new Polish prime minister and the European Commission president said Friday. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the 5 billion euros was arriving symbolically in time for Christmas. This is …

Poland set to get more than 5 billion euros in EU money after commission approves recovery plan
1 year, 1 month ago

Poland set to get more than 5 billion euros in EU money after commission approves recovery plan

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — Poland is set to receive more than 5 billion euros in EU funds after the European Commission gave a positive assessment Tuesday of the country’s revised recovery plan that includes green reforms and investments. The 5.1 billion euros pre-financing is part of the bloc’s REPowerEU program aimed at helping the 27 EU nations recover from the energy crisis …

EU executive chides Poland, Hungary for democratic deficiencies
1 year, 5 months ago

EU executive chides Poland, Hungary for democratic deficiencies

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Union’s executive on Wednesday chided Poland and Hungary for democratic deficiencies that have been accerbated by measures taken or left unaddressed by the current governments. While the EU Commission’s annual rule of law report noted a smattering of improvements in the two nations, it also underscored many remaining shortcomings that highlight the standoff between the Brussels-based …

EU launches legal action against Poland over new Russian influence law
1 year, 6 months ago

EU launches legal action against Poland over new Russian influence law

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Union on Thursday launched legal action against member country Poland over a contentious new law that the nationalist government claims is meant to combat Russian influence but which critics say could be used to persecute opposition politicians. The European Commission said it believes that the new law “unduly interferes with the democratic process,” and that it …

EU top court says that Poland’s justice reform infringes EU law
1 year, 6 months ago

EU top court says that Poland’s justice reform infringes EU law

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Union stepped up its rule-of-law fight with member state Poland on Monday when the bloc’s highest court confirmed that Warsaw had refused to comply with EU rules on judicial independence for which it has already lost more than 500 million euros in fines. The Court of Justice of the EU ruled that Poland’s 2019 justice reform …

Top EU court rules Poland’s justice reforms infringe EU law
1 year, 6 months ago

Top EU court rules Poland’s justice reforms infringe EU law

Al Jazeera  

European Commission brought case over 2019 changes that bar Polish courts from applying EU law in some cases. The European Court of Justice, the European Union’s highest court, has ruled that Poland’s 2019 justice reforms infringe the bloc’s rule of law. On Monday, the Luxembourg-based ECJ said Poland’s ruling Law and Justice Party’s judicial reforms were damaging the independence of …

Poland prepares changes to judicial law to unblock EU funds
2 years ago

Poland prepares changes to judicial law to unblock EU funds

The Independent  

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EU lawmakers declare that Hungary is no longer a democracy
2 years, 3 months ago

EU lawmakers declare that Hungary is no longer a democracy

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — European Union lawmakers on Thursday declared that Hungary has become “a hybrid regime of electoral autocracy” under the leadership of its nationalist government, and that its undermining of the bloc’s democratic values had taken Hungary out of the community of democracies. The lawmakers said that Hungary — which its populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban characterizes as an “illiberal …

EU rule of law report decries situation in Poland, Hungary
2 years, 5 months ago

EU rule of law report decries situation in Poland, Hungary

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Union’s executive on Wednesday decried the rule of law situation in Poland and Hungary, centering on perceived breaches in their judiciary and media in its annual report. Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro, who also holds the job of prosecutor-general, said the report was “yet another blackmail by the EU.” He insisted that Poland’s government shouldn’t be …

No justice reform in Poland, no money, EU chief vows
2 years, 6 months ago

No justice reform in Poland, no money, EU chief vows

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Union’s chief executive vowed Tuesday that Poland would get no money from the bloc’s vast pandemic relief fund until the right-wing government rolls back measures deemed to limit the independence of the country’s judiciary. These three commitments, translated into milestones, must be fulfilled before any payment can be made,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen …

EU chief: Poland’s actions will decide when it gets funds
2 years, 6 months ago

EU chief: Poland’s actions will decide when it gets funds

Associated Press  

WARSAW, Poland — The European Commission chief said Thursday that Poland’s right-wing government is responsible for fully implementing the steps on judiciary independence that will make the disbursement of billions of euros in EU pandemic recovery grants and loans for the country possible. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was in Warsaw to officially confirm the EU executive’s long-delayed approval …

Polish lawmakers back removing judicial body EU criticized
2 years, 6 months ago

Polish lawmakers back removing judicial body EU criticized

Associated Press  

WARSAW, Poland — Polish lawmakers on Thursday approved removing a controversial disciplinary body within Poland’s top court that the right-wing government has used to sanction outspoken judges and which has drawn condemnation from the European Union. Poland’s government expects the removal of the divisive Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court to end its drawn-out spat with the EU, paving the …

EU starts process to cut funding to Hungary over rule of law
2 years, 8 months ago

EU starts process to cut funding to Hungary over rule of law

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Commission will launch proceedings to suspend support payments to Hungary for breaching the 27-nation bloc’s rule-of-law standards, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday. Von der Leyen’s announcement at the European Parliament came two days after Hungary’s nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban declared victory in Sunday’s election, claiming a mandate for a fourth term. Von …

EU can withhold funds from Hungary, Poland, top court rules
2 years, 10 months ago

EU can withhold funds from Hungary, Poland, top court rules

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — In a ruling hailed as a boost to democratic values, the European Union’s highest court said Wednesday that the 27-nation bloc can suspend support payments to member states if they breach rule of law principles. When it comes to democratic principles, “the European Union must be able to defend those values, within the limits of its powers,” the …

European Union initiates action after Poland violates bloc laws
3 years ago

European Union initiates action after Poland violates bloc laws

The Hindu  

The EU announced on Wednesday it is launching legal action against Poland for ignoring European Union law and undermining the independence of its national judiciary. EU economy commissioner Paolo Gentiloni said the infringement proceedings targeted Poland for breaching the primacy of EU law and for deciding that certain articles of EU treaties were incompatible with Polish laws. Poland’s Deputy Justice …

EU takes legal action against Poland over rule-of-law dispute
3 years ago

EU takes legal action against Poland over rule-of-law dispute

Al Jazeera  

Poland says the EU’s decision reflects a trend towards ‘bureaucratic centralism’ in Brussels that ‘has to be stopped’. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Wednesday said the EU’s decision reflected a trend towards “bureaucratic centralism” in Brussels that “has to be stopped”. Attack on sovereignty Poland’s Deputy Justice Minister Sebastian Kaleta hit back by calling the EU announcement “an attack …

Most Poles think Warsaw should give ground in EU dispute: Survey
3 years, 1 month ago

Most Poles think Warsaw should give ground in EU dispute: Survey

Al Jazeera  

New poll suggests strong public disapproval of the stance the Polish government has taken in legal row with Brussels. Nearly three-quarters of Poles think Warsaw should accept some or all European Union demands to roll back domestic judicial reforms the bloc says violate the rule of law, a new survey has indicated. Tuesday’s IBRiS poll for Poland’s Rzeczpospolita newspaper suggested …

EU leaders are 'highly worried' about Poland, Rutte says in Brussels
3 years, 2 months ago

EU leaders are 'highly worried' about Poland, Rutte says in Brussels

Dutch News  

The overwhelming majority of European leaders are ‘highly worried’ about the actions of the Polish government, Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte said after the first day of the EU Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels. “There was a clear message from the overwhelming group of the leaders at the table that we are highly worried about the situation in Poland” …

EU leaders are 'highly worried' about Poland, Rutte says in Brussels
3 years, 2 months ago

EU leaders are 'highly worried' about Poland, Rutte says in Brussels

Dutch News  

The overwhelming majority of European leaders are ‘highly worried’ about the actions of the Polish government, Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte said after the first day of the EU Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels. “There was a clear message from the overwhelming group of the leaders at the table that we are highly worried about the situation in Poland” …

EU Parliament to file lawsuit against Commission over ‘failure’ to punish countries who ‘violate’ rule of law
3 years, 2 months ago

EU Parliament to file lawsuit against Commission over ‘failure’ to punish countries who ‘violate’ rule of law

CNN  

CNN — The European Union is facing mounting pressure from its own lawmakers to withhold funds to Poland as an ongoing spat between Warsaw and Brussels intensifies. On Tuesday, lawyers for the European Parliament were asked to prepare a lawsuit against the European Commission – the bloc’s executive arm – over its “failure” to punish member states who “violate the …

EU chief says Polish court ruling is a threat to the bloc
3 years, 2 months ago

EU chief says Polish court ruling is a threat to the bloc

Al Jazeera  

Ursula von der Leyen warns Warsaw that Brussels will act over acrimonious dispute concerning primacy of EU law. Addressing EU politicians in Strasbourg on Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the ruling by Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal earlier this month was “a direct challenge to the unity of the European legal order” and undermines the protection of judicial …

EU warns Poland it will pay for challenging common law
3 years, 2 months ago

EU warns Poland it will pay for challenging common law

CNN  

The European Commission’s chief executive warned Poland on Tuesday that its challenge to the supremacy of European Union law called into question the very foundations of the 27-nation bloc and could not go unpunished. Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal ruled last week that parts of EU law are incompatible with the Polish constitution, undermining the legal pillar on which the union stands …

Fearing ‘Polexit’, Poles join mass pro-EU rallies
3 years, 2 months ago

Fearing ‘Polexit’, Poles join mass pro-EU rallies

Al Jazeera  

Demonstrations in more than 100 towns and cities across Poland on Sunday as Brussels-Warsaw tensions simmer. The marches came after Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal ruled on Thursday that parts of EU law are incompatible with the country’s constitution, undermining the legal pillar on which the 27-nation bloc stands. ‘Violate democratic rules’ Donald Tusk, the Polish former head of the European Council …

Poles rally to defend the EU membership amid fear of ‘Polexit’
3 years, 2 months ago

Poles rally to defend the EU membership amid fear of ‘Polexit’

Al Jazeera  

Opposition leader Donald Tusk has called for protests to defend Poland’s continued membership in the 27-nation bloc. Addressing the crowds, Tusk warned that a “pseudo court” had decided to take Poland out of the EU by order of the governing party’s leader, in violation of the constitution. In a legal decision requested by Poland’s prime minister earlier this week, a …

EU faces crisis over controversial Polish court ruling
3 years, 2 months ago

EU faces crisis over controversial Polish court ruling

Al Jazeera  

Leading European politicians accuse Warsaw of ‘playing with fire’ in an acrimonious dispute over the primacy of EU law. A Polish court ruling challenging the supremacy of European Union law has plunged the bloc into an existential crisis, increasing fears among EU policymakers and many Poles that Poland could eventually quit the EU. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the …

Poland ignites anger across EU with ruling that its laws supercede
3 years, 2 months ago

Poland ignites anger across EU with ruling that its laws supercede

CNN  

A ruling by Poland’s highest court that European Union rules are subordinate to Polish law is an “attack” against the 27-member bloc, France’s European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune said on Friday. Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal ruled on Thursday that some parts of EU treaties are incompatible with the Polish constitution, challenging a pillar of European integration and sharply escalating a dispute …

Poland challenges supremacy of EU law in snub to Brussels
3 years, 2 months ago

Poland challenges supremacy of EU law in snub to Brussels

Al Jazeera  

Poland’s top court has challenged the supremacy of European Union law in a landmark ruling, widening the diplomatic rift between Warsaw and Brussels. The court also warned EU institutions not to “act beyond the scope of their competencies” by interfering with Poland’s judiciary, which has been a major bone of contention with Brussels. The ruling prompted a stern warning from …

Brussels calls for daily fines on Poland over threat to judicial independence
3 years, 3 months ago

Brussels calls for daily fines on Poland over threat to judicial independence

The Telegraph  

Brussels on Tuesday asked the European Court of Justice to impose daily fines on Poland over rules it says undermines the independence of Polish judges. The European Commission said it wanted the EU’s top court to "impose financial penalties on Poland to ensure compliance" with the Luxembourg-based court’s order. Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders told Polsat News broadcaster that Brussels wanted …

Poland’s president sees need for law change after EU censure
3 years, 4 months ago

Poland’s president sees need for law change after EU censure

Associated Press  

WARSAW, Poland — Poland’s President Andrzej Duda said Friday he sees the need for changes to his country’s law on disciplining judges, in a significant shift in tone on an issue that has brought a tense and drawn-out spat with European Union authorities. Duda was commenting on letters from the head of Poland’s top court appealing to him and other …

EU says democratic standards under threat in Poland, Hungary
3 years, 5 months ago

EU says democratic standards under threat in Poland, Hungary

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — Democratic standards in the European Union are eroding in several member countries, particularly in Hungary and Poland where judicial independence is under threat, the EU’s executive commission said Tuesday in its annual report on adherence to the rule of law. The European Commission has also started legal action against Poland and Hungary for what the EU’s executive arm …

Poland’s top court rejects EU court injunctions as invalid
3 years, 5 months ago

Poland’s top court rejects EU court injunctions as invalid

Al Jazeera  

Constitutional Tribunal says even though Poland is an EU member, domestic issues concerning judiciary and court system remain sole purview of Polish authorities and legislation. Poland’s constitutional court has ruled that interim measures imposed on the Polish judicial system by the top European court are against the country’s constitution, accelerating the collision course between Poland’s right-wing government and Brussels. “The …

Poland stokes fears of EU exit as court defies bloc over reforms
3 years, 5 months ago

Poland stokes fears of EU exit as court defies bloc over reforms

The Telegraph  

Poland's membership of the EU was plunged into uncertainty on Wednesday after its judges defied a European court order to reverse some of its controversial judicial reforms. Stanisław Piotrowicz, a senior Polish judge, said that interim measures by the EU’s highest court, which ordered Warsaw to suspend the reforms, were “not in line” with the Polish constitution. “Against the wishes …

EU lawmakers threaten to sue, to speed up rule of law action
3 years, 6 months ago

EU lawmakers threaten to sue, to speed up rule of law action

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — European Union lawmakers threatened Thursday to sue the bloc’s executive branch within weeks if it fails to take action against countries allegedly violating democratic standards, notably Hungary and Poland. In a resolution, adopted by 506 votes to 150 with 28 abstentions, they urged European Parliament President David Sassoli to demand that the European Commission “fulfil its obligations” within …

It’s time for action to defend European democracy, says Dutch MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld
3 years, 10 months ago

It’s time for action to defend European democracy, says Dutch MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld

Dutch News  

The European Union’s stand-off with Hungary and Poland on the rule of law has been overshadowed by the more immediate crises of Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic, but that shouldn’t obscure its significance, says Dutch MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld. People who are in opposition or critical journalists in those countries feel they have the backing of the European Union, …

It’s time for action to defend European democracy, says Dutch MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld
3 years, 10 months ago

It’s time for action to defend European democracy, says Dutch MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld

Dutch News  

The European Union’s stand-off with Hungary and Poland on the rule of law has been overshadowed by the more immediate crises of Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic, but that shouldn’t obscure its significance, says Dutch MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld. People who are in opposition or critical journalists in those countries feel they have the backing of the European Union, …

Poland, Hungary veto EU budget over rule-of-law issue
4 years, 1 month ago

Poland, Hungary veto EU budget over rule-of-law issue

Associated Press  

WARSAW, Poland — Poland and Hungary on Monday vetoed the European Union’s next seven-year budget and a massive coronavirus recovery plan due to a new mechanism that links EU funding to the rule of law, plunging the 27-nation bloc into a political crisis. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s press chief Bertalan Havasi said Monday that Orban had written a letter …

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