Poland has managed to avoid the potential suspension of its EU membership rights after the European Commission announced that it plans to terminate the legal action against the country for violating the rule of law within the bloc. The draft decision states that Poland has taken steps to address concerns about judicial independence, acknowledged the supremacy of EU law, and committed to implementing European court judgments related to the rule of law.
This decision marks a significant moment for Poland, which was previously facing disciplinary action due to concerns about judicial independence under the Law and Justice Party (PiS) government. However, with a new centrist government led by former European Council president Donald Tusk, Poland has introduced a reform plan that addresses these concerns.
The legal procedures against Poland began in 2017 and were suspended earlier this year following Tusk’s coalition’s victory in October’s general election. In response to this development, the commission reversed a 2022 decision that had suspended access to key portions of the EU budget. This move reflects positive changes implemented in Poland and its commitment to upholding the rule of law within the EU.
The conclusion of these proceedings will be discussed by EU member states’ European affairs ministers on May 21st before officially withdrawing legal action against Poland. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised this move as an important step towards resolving issues with judicial independence in Poland through dedicated efforts towards reform by its leaders.
