2024-05-06 13:50 update: 2024-05-07, 15:08
Ursula von der Leyen. Photo EPA/RONALD WITTEK
Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, announced on Monday that the EC plans to conclude the procedure under Article 7 of the Treaty of the European Union against Poland.
In its report, which will be forwarded to member states, the EC stipulates that it has concluded the inquiry into the rule of law situation in Poland and determined that there was "no longer a clear risk of a serious breach" within the bounds of Article 7.
"Today marks the opening of a new chapter for Poland," von der Leyen wrote on the X platform.
She added: "After more than six years, we believe that the Article 7 procedure can be closed. I congratulate PM @DonaldTusk and his government on this important breakthrough. This is a result of Poland’s hard work and determined reform efforts."
In December 2017, the EC slapped Poland with its Article 7 procedure in response to what it saw as risks to the rule of law and EU values in the country.
Dubbed a 'nuclear weapon' in Europe, Article 7 targets violations of the European Union's fundamental principles.
Since its formation, the new pro-EU coalition government in Poland has been implementing a plan introduced by Justice Minister Adam Bodnar to reinstate rule-of-law standards and the work has been well received in Brussels.
The plan consisted of a number of legislative changes aimed at reversing the reforms of the judiciary in Poland carried out by the previous Law and Justice (PiS) government which, according to critics, have allowed the justice system to be influenced by party interest.
Vice-President Vera Jourova will present the EC's opinion to the Council of the European Union during a ministers' meeting on May 21. Subsequently, the request to initiate the Article 7 procedure will be removed from the Council's agenda.
The closure of the procedure will in turn release billions of euros from the EU's post-pandemic funds earmarked for Poland under the National Recovery Plan (KPO), contingent upon the country's compliance with European regulations.
Bodnar took to the X platform to comment on the news later on Monday.
"The consistent reinstatement of the rule of law is bringing further effects on the international arena," the justice minister wrote. "The chance for a swift conclusion of the Article 7 procedure is not only the consequence of our work at the Ministry of Justice, but it is also the result of the commitment of the whole government..."
Krzysztof Smiszek, a deputy justice minister, told PAP on Monday afternoon that the announced conclusion of the Article 7 procedure was "great news for Poland, great news for Europe, great news for Poles who have been fighting for several years for the restoration of the rule of law in Poland."
However, Smiszek said, Monday's announcement by the EC is only the beginning of the lifting of the procedure as the Polish justice minister will have to make his case at the next meeting of the EU's General Affairs Council on May 21 and the EC will present its stance on the matter.
Poland still faces a lot of work to get back to European standards after eight years of PiS rule, Smiszek said. (PAP)
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