The EU commission launches an unprecedented step against Poland over concern that Warsaw is violating the rule of law
EU commission vice president Frans Timmermans comments:
- Commission stands ready for dialogue with Poland
- Constitutionality of legislation in Poland today can no longer be guaranteed
- Independence of courts in Poland needed for proper functioning of EU single market
- There is a clear risk to the rule of law in Poland
- EU has initiated Article 7.1 against Poland
- Poland should remedy the situation within 3 months
- Action on Poland today is not just about Poland itself, but about EU as a whole
Under Article 7.1, 4/5 of EU member states may determine that Poland poses "a clear risk of a serious breach" of European principles. The next step under Article 7.2, would be a unanimous decision by EU leaders to impose sanctions against Poland - which includes stripping Poland of voting rights in the EU bloc.
