EU peers understand Poland's rule-of-law efforts, justice min says
Other EU member states, except Hungary, have shown understanding for Poland's efforts to restore the rule of law, the Polish justice minister said after a Tuesday meeting with his EU peers in Brussels.
During the meeting, the justice ministers discussed the potential lifting of the rule-of-law violation procedure that the EU imposed on Poland under Article 7 of the Treaty of the European Union.
Since the new pro-EU government took office last December, Poland has been striving to restore rule-of-law standards in the country and reverse a number of controversial judicial reforms that the former Law and Justice (PiS) government had introduced.
The task has proven to be difficult, in particular because of the opposition from President Andrzej Duda, a PiS ally, whose signature is needed under any bill before it becomes law.
The European Commission (EC) president, Ursula von der Leyen, has recently hinted that the procedure may be lifted even before all the reforms are carried out in recognition of the new government's determination to return to EU values.
Adam Bodnar, the justice minister, said after the Tuesday meeting that his peers showed understanding for Poland's efforts, except Hungary, which raised doubts. If Warsaw is relieved of the procedure, Budapest will be left alone in its rule-of-law dispute with Brussels.
Bodnar went on to say that the Article 7 procedure was harmful for Poland's reputation, so its conclusion is a priority for the new government.
"The fact that we don't have, or let's hope we won't have the Article 7 procedure does not absolve us of our obligation to respect and carry out EU laws," Bodnar said.
"We're going to be scrutinised for (observance of - PAP) the rule of law," he added, referring to the EU's annual review of the rule-of-law standards in the bloc's member states.
Vera Jourova, the EC vice-president, confirmed on Tuesday that in coming days she would suggest the ending of the Article 7 procedure against Poland.
She said that the EC saw the determination of the Polish government in its actions to repair the judicial and prosecution system. (PAP)
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